Foreclosure has long been a problem for homeowners, and it has only been complicated by high unemployment and the slow economic recovery in recent years. Contrary to popular opinion, “exotic” mortgages are only a small part of the foreclosure problem: many people facing foreclosure in PA lived within their means and are having difficulty making their payments due to job loss or other issues. When individuals lose their homes to foreclosure, it is a blow to families, communities, and the health of the housing market.

Pennsylvania is fortunate to have the Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) for homeowners facing foreclosure as well as Federal funding in the Emergency Homeowner Loan Program (EHLP), but HEMAP needs more resources to help the increasing number of homeowners in trouble, and EHLP funding is only available for a limited time.