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

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

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

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.

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

LISTEN

He came close to making history in Marietta mayor’s race. He may run again.

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

Featured

More metro Atlanta sellers are deciding to take their homes off the market, according to a new report. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Why thousands of metro Atlanta sellers pulled their homes off the market

The number of delistings in metro Atlanta grew 41% in September from the same month a year ago, a recent report said.

Public service or nuisance? Atlanta attorney’s videos cause stir

An Atlanta personal injury lawyer's social media videos of witness testimony are upsetting medical malpractice defendants, who have asked local judges to intervene.

Where could Georgia Tech play in its bowl game?

Surveying the postseason landscape for the Yellow Jackets.