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Kearns to host free information drive-up events for county residents

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Tue, Aug 17th 2021 04:25 pm

Seeking assistance on residential foreclosure issues

Erie County Clerk Michael P. Kearns and the Stay in Your Home Campaign will conduct two free, confidential sessions for Erie County residents seeking assistance on residential foreclosures and zombie home prevention will be conducting “drive-up” informational events outside county auto bureaus in the Town of Tonawanda and Cheektowaga on Aug. 26 and 28.

These sessions, sponsored by Kearns, will be held at the Auto Bureau in the Town of Tonawanda, 2309 Eggert Road, on Thursday, Aug. 26 (4-6 p.m.); and at the Auto Bureau in Cheektowaga, 2122 George Urban Blvd., on Saturday, Aug. 28 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

Residents will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from the WNY Law Center, Belmont Housing Resources for WNY, attorneys and housing counselors to learn more about their options if they are facing foreclosure or behind on their tax or mortgage payments.

Kearns and members of the Stay in Your Home Campaign said they are concerned that, with many forbearances expiring, borrowers will have to pay back missed mortgage and tax payments. Kearns and the campaign members want to ensure homeowners are aware of the free services available as well as know their right to stay in their home throughout the foreclosure process.

“It was identified by our team that, during times of hardship, scam artists are contacting homeowners by phone, internet and by mail looking for money or to allegedly offer assistance,” Kearns said. “Unfortunately, many homeowners fall prey and either move out of their home or do not make the best choice for them and their family, and we feel these educational events may help to prevent that.”

The Stay in Your Home Campaign was created in response to the inevitable foreclosure crisis due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign is sponsored by Kearns, New York State Sen. Timothy Kennedy, M&T Bank, Hunt Real Estate, WNY Law Center, the cities of North Tonawanda and Tonawanda and the Town of West Seneca. It operates in collaboration with Belmont Housing, Buffalo Urban League, Legal Aid Bureau, OCWEN, the Erie County Legislature’s Vacant and Abandoned Property Community Resource Team, and Wells Fargo Bank.

For more information, visit stayinyourhomewny.com or call 716-828-8429.

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