Divine intervention for homeowners? (CT)

WTNH Television ^ | 05/05/08 | Puppage

[Puppage]

Bridgeport (WTNH) _ Struggling homeowners looking for help because of foreclosure have a new savior to turn to.

Most people pray their homes will be safe from foreclosure and now there's help in a program called Homes Saved by Faith.

"We have to intervene to save people from foreclosure," said Rev. McKlusker of the Shiloh Baptist Church.

More than 350 churches in Connecticut are partnering with banks and housing groups so they can stop the tidal wave of foreclosures. There are have been about 14,000 in Connecticut, with the majority of those in Bridgeport.

"We need to get banks to the table, they need to come with money with real deals out there so people can save their homes," said Mayor Bill Finch (D-Bridgeport).

Church leaders will be the link to connect struggling homeowners with bank and housing groups so people can get help. Leaders say block after block, foreclosures are threatening the community.

Senate Banking Committee Chair Chris Dodd says foreclosures are the epicenter of this country's recession. "By two percent crime will go up and values will go down because of one foreclosure on that block," Dodd explained.

For more information, please call the state information line at 2-1-1.

[Puppage]

"By two percent crime will go up and values will go down because of one foreclosure on that block," Dodd explained.

It's Bridgeport....a great place if you're a bullet.

[CindyDawg]

I've been looking for a fixer upper for my grandkids. I called about one today that a lady I used to know had. She put her heart into that house. I was expecting around 80-90K. It's listed at 64K but under contract. I've looked at a lot of houses in the 50-60’s around here but it's the same story. They are getting snapped up before I can even look at them..much less make an offer.

[Alex Murphy]

"...and then I asked myself, "where would people never notice a town full of robots? Connecticut!"
- Claire Wellington, from the film remake of The Stepford Wives

"I'm in hell. Connecticut is the fifth ring of hell."
- Gus the cat burglar, from the film The Ref

[Between the Lines]

"We need to get banks to the table, they need to come with money with real deals out there so people can save their homes,"

Is this a case of churches legitimately trying to help people or just a case of liberal churches trying to bully the banks?

[Little Bill]

I had a friend of mine interview at a power plant there, people were getting mugged in the parking lot. They put up a razor wire fence with patrolling guards, it was a war zone.

[Onelifetogive]

Most people pray their homes will be safe from foreclosure...

That might work. Alternatively, paying your payments is also quite effective...

[CindyDawg]

People tend to think most people want to keep these houses. Many bought them when they couldn't afford them. Now between taxes and working 2-4 jobs to make the payment some are moving out and in to, not as fancy but cheaper housing. These smaller, older homes are not staying on the market long, around here.