WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and U.S. Representative Chaka Fattah (D-PA) today met with Philadelphia Unemployment Project (PUP) Director John Dodds and Pennsylvanians affected by the mortgage crisis and economic downturn to discuss the positive impact of the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP). EHLP, a federal program that was largely modeled after a successful Pennsylvania program, gives temporary assistance to homeowners facing unemployment.
“The Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program offers Pennsylvania homeowners a cost effective way to stay in their homes,” said Senator Casey. “Thousands of Pennsylvanians will be able to avoid foreclosure because of this program, providing the stability families need to find work and move past the hardships caused by the recent recession.”
“Through no fault of their own, thousands in Pennsylvania have lost their homes or are in danger of losing their homes,” said Congressman Fattah. “Today, the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program, which follows a mortgage assistance plan I authored more than 20 years ago here in Pennsylvania, will provide relief for thousands trying to maneuver their way through this prolonged economic slump.””
“It is critical that families know about this program and apply as soon as possible, because the funds have to be allocated before Sept. 30, 2011,” said PUP Director John Dodds. “EHLP is a lifeline, particularly to the unemployed.”
Modeled after Pennsylvania’s Homeowner’s Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP), EHLP is similar to legislation introduced by Senator Casey last year. It is expected to help between 4,000 and 5,000 Pennsylvania families stay in their homes.
In January, Senator Casey wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) urging the expedited release of funds Congress authorized for EHLP. Pennsylvania will receive $100 million.
