CONTACT:

Mary Anne Crampton
LakewoodAlive
216-521-0655
macrampton@lakewoodalive.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Neighborhood Housing Services Inc. of Greater Cleveland in Lakewood

New partnership with LakewoodAlive Announced

May 10, 2010 - LakewoodAlive is teaming up with Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland (NHSGS) to provide Lakewood residents with access to a full range of homeownership education, financial counseling and lending programs.

Effective immediately, confidential and free financial counseling will be available in LakewoodAlive offices in downtown Lakewood at 14701 Detroit Avenue on Mondays from 8:30am-5:30pm. Evening hours will be offered on the third Monday of each month.

“The loss of jobs or cuts in hours has made it difficult for some local families to pay their mortgages. They face difficult choices about which bills to pay, and often those choices put them at risk of losing their homes,” said LakewoodAlive Executive Director Mary Anne Crampton. “NHSGC can assist these families with financial challenges. This nonprofit organization has a long history of successful service to Northeast Ohio and brings the right mix of educational and financial resources to address Lakewood’s unique needs.” Residents having trouble making mortgage payments cannot ask for help too early. “Reaching people at the first sign of trouble is critical to keeping their homes,” said Lou Tisler, Executive Director of Neighborhood Housing Services. “The sooner people reach out for help, the greater the chances are for a favorable outcome.”

NHSGC staff will provide a number of services to assist homeowners with managing finances, avoiding scams and maintaining homeownership. The services will include unbiased, individualized assistance so that clients can weigh their options, access mortgage assistance programs (including “rescue” funds), and have representation at mediation where appropriate. Services will be provided at no cost to residents. “Helping preserve home ownership will not only provide much-needed assistance to local families, but also prevent the abandonment or loss of homes that can weaken our neighborhoods. That helps us all,” said Crampton.

LakewoodAlive has an existing counseling program to assist homeowners with exterior maintenance issues. NHSGC offers educational services to homebuyers, as well as home maintenance education programs. In addition, NHSGC offers several loan programs for interior and exterior home repair and improvement projects. “The services we provide in Lakewood are designed to be as accessible as possible while preserving the confidentiality of those who need our help,” Tisler said.

Residents can make a confidential appointment to meet with an NHSGC staff person at LakewoodAlive by calling Francis Cintron at 216.952.9829. Information is available at the LakewoodAlive website (www.lakewoodalive.com) or the Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland website (www.nhscleveland.org).

LakewoodAlive is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit economic development organization in the first-ring suburb of Lakewood, Ohio.



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