Foreclosure assistance program is deemed successful

Since its inception 10 months ago, the Madison/Bond County Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation program has helped 35 homeowners save their homes from foreclosure.

According to a release from Madison County Chief Judge Ann Callis's office, the program has accepted approximately 80 percent of the 185 cases requesting mediation.

The statement also indicated that many of the current cases are still in the mediation process and more family homes should be saved as a result.

In addition, the program is partnering with Saint Louis University Legal Clinic, which began assisting homeowners in February.

Supervised by their clinic professors, students represent homeowners through the mediation process.

The clinic provides help to homeowners by assisting them with paperwork, legal advice and negotiation assistance.

The program, "Beyond Housing," has also received increased funding, so its HUD-certified housing counselor will likely be increasing the amount of time spent with homeowners.

Also, a group of community volunteers have formed the Homeowners' Support Network and are also available to provide support to homeowners facing foreclosure.

All of these resources are available to homeowners free of charge and help homeowners navigate the foreclosure process.

For more information about the program, contact Linda Jun, program administrator, at (618) 296-4760 or lljun@co.madison.il.us.