10-06-2008 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing & Redevelopment ~uthoriry October 6, 2008 Page 3 7. Consider Participation with MN Center for Energy & Environment to Market Elk River Housing Rehabilitation Loan Programs Ms. Deckert introduced Erica Graber-Mitchell from the Minnesota Center for Energy & Environment (CEE). Ms. Graber-Mitchell reviewed programs offered through the MN Housing Finance Agency (IVIhIFA), explaining how the city can benefit by partnering with CEE to distribute a marketing flyer. Ms. Graber-Mitchell discussed options for mailing of the flyer and costs. It was the consensus of the Commission to send the flyer to single family homeowners at this time. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COMISSIONER LIESER, APPROVING THE HRA EXPENDITURE OF UP TO $2,000 FOR PRINTING, POSTAGE AND MAILHOUSE COSTS FOR DISTRIBUTING A BROCHURE TO ELK RIVER SINGLE FAMILY HOMEOWNERS, CONTAINING INFORMATION REGARDING AVAILABLE PROGRAMS FOR HOUSING REHABILITATION. MOTION CARRIED 3-0. 8. Presentation by MN Home Ownership Center re -~g_rding Mortgage Counseling Services Ms. Mehelich introduced Ed Nelson, Communications Manager for MN Home Ownership Center. Mr. Nelson provided an overview of the foreclosure issues in Minnesota and the Center's outreach programs and services available to Elk River households. He explained that the Center is a non-profit organization which began in 1993 in Minneapolis, to provide education and counseling. He stated that there is a network of 25 Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention counseling centers in Minnesota. Mr. Nelson noted that there is no charge for their services. He explained that LSS Financial Counseling is their office in Elk River, and this office can be reached at 1-800-777-7419. Mr. Nelson provided the following statistics regarding foreclosures in Minnesota and Sherburne County: State of Minnesota 2005- 6,500 foreclosures 2007- 20,500 2008 - 29,000 projected Sherburne County 2007 - 671 foreclosures 2008 -anticipate more than in 2007 (700+) Mr. Nelson explained that there has been an increase in the number of people looking for energy assistance, higher use of food shelves, and domestic violence. There also is the issue of vacant homes being abandoned, vandalized, and blighted neighborhoods. Mr. Nelson stated that there is help available for renters in homes that are in danger of foreclosure by calling 1-800-866-3546. Mr. Nelson stated that the counseling centers provide a mortgage support advisor to reach long-term solutions, but does not necessarily mean the homeowner will be able to keep their home. He noted that their advisor will work with them to help make sure no one takes advantage of them. Mr. Nelson explained that the sooner someone gets into the network, the more options they will have. Mr. Nelson stated that the network can only provide assistance if a homeowner's primary residence is in foreclosure, or maybe going into foreclosure. He noted that they have direct marketing materials available which can be inserted in utility bills or mailed as postcards.