The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal on Sept. 15 by Supervisors Janice Hahn, 4th District, and Hilda Solis, 1st District, to prevent foreclosures in the county by connecting struggling homeowners with foreclosure prevention counseling and mortgage assistance.

“We have been able to make progress keeping renters in L.A. County in their homes during this crisis by implementing an eviction moratorium and putting $100 million toward rent relief for families struggling to pay rent,” Hahn said. “Homeowners are struggling too and without a concerted effort on the county’s part, we may be facing a wave of oncoming foreclosures and homelessness.”

The program follows a two-pronged approach. First, $1.5 million will be allocated to assist homeowners facing foreclosure by connecting them with foreclosure prevention counselors who can assist with loan modifications and forbearance, and work with lenders. Secondly, $4 million will be allocated to create a Mortgage Financial Relief Program which will provide deferred and forgivable loans to homeowners to help stabilize their mortgage with a loan servicer.

“Housing is a human right and as a result of the economic fallout of this COVID-19 crisis, many impacted individuals and families are on the brink of experiencing homelessness through no fault of their own,” Solis said. “In the midst of this unprecedented global pandemic, many workers in L.A. County are unemployed indefinitely, and one of the critical steps we can take right now is to keep them in their homes.”

When the program is developed and implemented, services will be available through the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. For information, visit dcba.lacounty.gov.