For Immediate Release
October 04, 2012
Contact Information

Matthew Beatty
Sonshine Communications
T: (305) 948-8063 ext. 209
E: mbeatty@sonshine.com

(BPRW) URBAN LEAGUE OF BROWARD COUNTY FIGHTS SOUTH FLORIDA FORECLOSURE CRISIS AT FIRST "˜HOME FOR GOOD' CAMPAIGN EVENT

(BLACK PR WIRE) – FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – More than 60 South Florida homeowners facing foreclosure, public housing developers, real estate brokers and housing agency counselors joined the Urban League of Broward County (ULBC) for the Home for Good Lunch & Learn. The panel discussion and workshop, held Friday, September 28, 2012, at the Urban League Community Empowerment Center, provided insider tips about new state and federal programs designed to keep owners in their homes. Attendees also learned how the Florida housing settlement provides dollars to fight off foreclosure. The workshop was the first South Florida event for the national Home for Good campaign, an initiative uniting organizations to voice concerns and find solutions to ongoing housing challenges in minority communities.

“An estimated 25 percent of African-American and Hispanic homeowners have been affected by the foreclosure crisis,” said Cy Richardson, vice president of housing and community development for the National Urban League. “Home for Good is a campaign to reaffirm homeownership as a realistic path for every American, and that’s what we’re ensuring here today.”

Representatives from Consolidated Credit Counseling, Freddie Mac, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, National Urban League, U.S. Department of Treasury and Urban League of Broward County gave presentations throughout the workshop. Attendees received expert advice on avoiding foreclosure lawyer scams, new regulations promoting homeownership versus renting, and agencies that provide free counseling to those facing foreclosure. The group was encouraged to share feedback with public officials as many of the newly enacted programs are still being shaped to best serve citizens in need.

“I hope we helped more of our community see that they don’t have to face this battle alone,” said Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, president and CEO of the Urban League of Broward County. “There are so many counselors and professionals ready to support homeowners tackling foreclosure. Contacting the Urban League or one of our Home for Good partners today is the first step to saving your home.”

Launched in April 2011, Home for Good is a national campaign that is driven by individuals and organizations throughout the nation concerned about the enduring housing and foreclosure crisis. Home for Good was designed to ensure that local and national leaders do not forget about the many who are on the brink of foreclosure, struggling to find an affordable rental, or losing critical resources — such as housing counseling — which have proven to help families hold on to their homes.*

For details on Urban League of Broward County housing assistance programs, please call 954-584-0777. Visit ulbroward.org or myhomeforgood.com for more information.

ABOUT THE URBAN LEAGUE OF BROWARD COUNTY: The Urban League of Broward County is a not for profit, community-based organization founded in 1975. We empower communities and change lives. Our mission is to assist African-Americans and other disenfranchised groups in the achievement of social and economic equality. Programs/services include affordable housing development and redevelopment, youth development, diversion, employment and training, education and community empowerment and civic engagement.

*Source: myhomeforgood.com