Citing the high increase in home foreclosures, the Franklin County Commissioners have approved a program where financially troubled homeowners can apply for up to $3,000 to help them keep their homes.
"It’s not intended to be a panacea," said County Commissioner Paula Brooks.
County Commissioners had approved the program the day before.
"This program reaches middle-class families and aims to stop neighborhood deterioration," she said. "Unprecedented levels of home foreclosures lead us to take this action."
Foreclosure filings in the county have increased nearly 75 percent since 2001.
A family of four can earn $63,600 a year to be eligible to participate in the program, she said, noting that that figure is equal to 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
Families who qualify should call the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission by April 1 to be put on a list. In addition, the family must participate in a special program through MORPC to help them keep their home.
"We want them to learn from their experience," Brooks said.
To be eligible to apply for funds, homeowners must be able to show a foreclosure notice, be at least 60 days delinquent on the mortgage and be able to verify they can maintain monthly housing and utility expenses.
