Chairman highlights emergency foreclosure prevention counseling
Faced with the fastest growing home foreclosure rate in Chicagoland, Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay has brought together municipal, county and social service leaders to launch “Help for Homeowners,” a comprehensive public information campaign aimed at alerting homeowners to resources available to them.
Paid for through Riverboat grants and not taxpayer dollars, the campaign includes mailings, brochures and public presentations and clinics to inform residents of everything from property tax exemption and freeze options to emergency foreclosure prevention counseling.
By delivering vital information to homeowners regarding free foreclosure prevention counseling and other resources, Kane County looks to reduce the soaring 42 percent increase it saw in home foreclosures between 2006 and 2007.
“These services are already available to homeowners free of charge – but they don’t do any good if people do not know about them,” McConnaughay said in launching the initiative. “This program provides a one-stop shop where homeowners can learn about their options and make the best decisions for their households.”
Specifically, Help for Homeowners brings County and municipal government together with not-for-profit agencies to promote homeowner services. Specific initiatives of the program include:
- Direct mail contact with all residents threatened with foreclosure
- Free homeowner clinics, including sessions scheduled for Aurora, Elgin and the Tri-Cities
- Informational brochure highlighting all homeowner resources, available at community centers and other public meeting areas
- Presentations to City Council and other community organizations
- Online information, available at: www.countyofkane.org
A Republican seeking a second term as Board Chairman, McConnaughay noted that in addition to assisting residents in a time of need, the “Help for Homeowners” program is vital for the local economy and regional quality of life. The program was approved unanimously in June by members of the Kane County Board.
The initiative is consistent with McConnaughay’s track record of bringing local leaders and organizations together to meet the needs of Kane County. To join the campaign and assist McConnaughay in continuing that leadership for another term, please visit www.karen4kane.org or call 630-525-1615.
“This is more important than any single individual case,” McConnaughay said. “Our local economy is fueled by taxpayers who pay their mortgage, live, shop and raise their children here. In order to remain vibrant as a region, we must work together to address the economic crisis facing those residents.”