Family Heritage Foundation

It’s good to have a place to turn to. It really is. Ms. A was truly grateful, when she came to pick items up for her daughter and grandchildren. She shared with us about how her daughter was working tirelessly to raise six children on her own. Her daughter’s hours at work had been reduced because of the pandemic. This single mother, who was already struggling to make ends meet, was faced with even more challenges. We were able to help her with rent, utilities, enough food for two weeks, winter jackets and clothing for her children. We’re humbled that we can be a place of refuge for families who are grappling with the effects of COVID-19. Please pray for the many people that we have not been able to assist due to limited resources. We pray they find help soon.

We have opened up our Spring 2021 afterschool program, slowly but safely. This week, we welcomed back 15 elementary and middle school students at the Clarkston Ministry Center. Here, students receive help with school assignments, as well as math and reading tutorials. We’re grateful to our staff and volunteers for their willingness to assist our families during this trying time. Online tutoring is still being provided to the children who cannot attend in person.

Do I have to make a lump sum payment at the end of my forbearance period? The answer: It’s up to you. If you hold a federally backed mortgage and have been economically impacted by COVID-19, you may have taken up a forbearance to pause or reduce monthly payments under the CARES Act. Mortgage lenders with privately held loans were also offering homeowners a forbearance.... What happens at the end of the forbearance period? You have four options: 1. Loan repayment: Spread out the owed amount over a period of months. Current monthly payment + outstanding amount = higher monthly payments. 2. Deferred payment: Pay the outstanding balance at the end of your mortgage term or when you sell your home. 2. Loan modification - more time to pay off the mortgage, so your monthly payments remain the same or become smaller. 3. Lump sum payment - pay the outstanding balance one time. There are pros and cons to each option, so it’s best to weigh each one carefully. Call your mortgage lender or servicing company to discuss your options. Ask to speak with a HUD-Certified Housing Assistant. Your mortgage statement may also include a phone number to a housing assistant or hardship counseling service. Do not wait until the forbearance ends. We recommend you make the call at least 30 days before the end date. For more information, visit the CFPB website: https://www.consumerfinance.gov//mortgage-and-housing-assi

**Important information on the CDC’s Eviction Order - please share** - Some landlords are threatening to evict tenants this month for lack of rent payments. Knowledge is vital. Good News: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extended the eviction order until March 31, 2021. Other News: ... 1. The eviction order only applies to non-payment of rent. Tenants can be evicted for other reasons such as the violation of a lease. 2. It is not automatic. Tenants have to meet seven certifications, sign the CDC’s Declaration, and submit it to the landlord in order to be protected. Every adult listed on the lease must sign the Declaration. That Declaration and the seven certifications can be found on the CDC’s website and on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s page: https://www.consumerfinance.gov//mortg/renter-protections/ For the Declaration Form in other languages, look in the comments.