Politics
Politics

Why the feds say a Ga. foreclosure program helped too little, too late

A federal audit released Friday said that slow response by HomeSafe Georgia, a program to stave off foreclosure during the mortgage crisis, helped contribute to the housing market’s slow recovery. In Clayton County, where these homes are located, some 30 percent of mortgages remain underwater. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
A federal audit released Friday said that slow response by HomeSafe Georgia, a program to stave off foreclosure during the mortgage crisis, helped contribute to the housing market’s slow recovery. In Clayton County, where these homes are located, some 30 percent of mortgages remain underwater. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
By Willoughby Mariano
Oct 13, 2017

The program was supposed to save Georgia homeowners from foreclosure through the worst real estate downturn in decades.

But HomeSafe Georgia was beset with complaints from the beginning that it helped too few, too slowly. Now a federal audit requested by U.S. Reps. John Lewis, D-Atlanta, and Hank Johnson, D-Lithonia, says the program soaked up $32 million in administrative fees, all while failing to help worthy applicants.

Read more at MyAJC.com.

About the Author

Willoughby Mariano
More Stories

Keep Reading

(Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC | Source: Getty)

Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC

It’s ‘deepfake’ season. Here’s how to spot AI in political ads.

Review sources with skepticism, and consider whether a particular image or video confirms preexisting — potentially controversial — beliefs, experts advise.

Teen GOP activist steps down from party leadership post

Greene County native and University of North Georgia student Ja’Quon Stembridge, 19, had run on boosting youth involvement in the party.

OBITUARY

AME Bishop Reginald Jackson, religious and political leader, dies at 71

Jackson served for eight years as head of 500 African Methodist Episcopal churches in Georgia.

The Latest

Ja'Quon Stembridge — pictured speaking at the monthly Henry County Republican Party meeting in July — was elected over the summer as the assistant secretary of the Georgia GOP. (Jenni Girtman for the AJC 2025)

Credit: Jenni Girtman

Teen GOP activist steps down from party leadership post

It’s ‘deepfake’ season. Here’s how to spot AI in political ads.

Georgia dismisses Trump election case, ending his last criminal prosecution

Featured

Inventor Lonnie Johnson stands with his Super Soaker water guns at JTEC Energy on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. Johnson, a former NASA engineer, is currently working on a new energy technology through his company’s JTEC device that turns thermal heat into usable energy. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Earth needs more energy. Atlanta’s Super Soaker creator may have a solution.

The legendary inventor of the Super Soaker, Lonnie Johnson, is refining technology in Atlanta that he thinks could help the planet reduce energy waste.

Teen GOP activist steps down from party leadership post

Greene County native and University of North Georgia student Ja’Quon Stembridge, 19, had run on boosting youth involvement in the party.

2025 SEC championship game: Kickoff time, TV channel, participants, ticket info

The 2025 SEC Championship Game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6. Below you can find information on game time, TV channel and particpants for the game.