Coakley Hosts Event to Raise Awareness of HomeCorps Program

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley joined HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and Brockton Mayor Linda M. Balzotti on Monday to tour an abandoned property in Brockton while raising awareness of foreclosure programs in the state.

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A foreclosure prevention program Coakley discussed was the HomeCorps program, which was funded in part by the national mortgage settlement. According to a release from the AG's office, the HomeCorps hotline has received more than 7,811 calls since April and averages about 50 calls per day.

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The program helps homeowners through loan modification assistance, by representing borrowers facing foreclosure, and by helping families avoid homelessness and receive transitional assistance.

The abandoned home officials toured is being renovated after three years of vacancy. The owner is receiving assistance from the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI) and through funds from the HomeCorps Municipal and Community Restoration Grants.

“Brockton has the greatest concentration of foreclosures in Plymouth County, and is in the top three state-wide,” said Mayor Balzotti. “In Brockton, we are working collaboratively with local non-profits, state and federal agencies to address foreclosed homes impacting neighborhoods in our community. Programs like HomeCorps help us continue this important work.”

The Brockton Redevelopment Authority (BRA) has received $250,000 to purchase foreclosures and rehabilitate them with the intention of selling the properties to low-to-moderate income homebuyers.

According to the release, the AG's office has seen an increase in reports of abandoned properties and recently expanded the AHI, which holds 255 abandoned properties.