Benton Harbor hosts foreclosure information meeting

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Benton Harbor, MI
Posted: 12:26 AM Jan 13, 2009
Last Updated: 1:53 PM Jan 13, 2009
Reporter: Sarah Platt
Email Address: sarah.platt@wndu.com

7 comments

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As you probably know, 2008 was a record year for home foreclosures. Here at home in Michiana, it was no exception -- especially in the state of Michigan.

That's what motivated Benton Harbor's mayor to host an informational meeting on foreclosures Monday night.

Officials say Berrien County's Benton Harbor has one of the highest foreclosures rates in the state. They say the two main reasons people are losing their homes there are job losses and people over-extending themselves, getting into something they couldn't afford.

Benton Harbor's City Assessor and Berrien County's Treasurer were also there to address people's questions and concerns on the issues of the foreclosure process. There were also foreclosure counseling specialists on-hand from Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency.

They hope that educating the public on the issue will help more people address their problem and be able to stay in their homes.

“We had a number of foreclosures and I think Benton Harbor must have 30 to 40% of foreclosures in the county and I think that's an inordinate amount and I think we have to work on that and do something about that -- and this is the first step in bridging the gap and plugging in that hole,” says Benton Harbor Mayor Wilce Cooke.

"I think the biggest thing that staff at our agency have said is don't wait until the last minute. A lot of times we get people that are coming in as the fire sale is about to happen and it's very difficult for us to do anything at that point because the negotiations we’re able to do, the advocacy we’re able to do is best when there’s time,” says Twyla Smith, Deputy Director of the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency.

“It's just we have more circumstances that we're dealing with than we would have a year or two ago, which makes our office have to be more flexible than what we’ve had in past,” says Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski.

There are resources that provide free counseling and advice to people who are facing or could be facing foreclosure. For more information, click on the links listed below.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Berrien County Resident Location: Benton Harbor on Jan 13, 2009 at 09:23 PM
To those of you who are dogging Benton Harbor, thank you for your support of the town I live in,raise my children in,the town I have 3 businesses rentals units in. It's people like you that really make life unbearable. Like SB, we too have our thugs killing thugs and trying for the business man when $ is needed and too lazy to work or even try. Well you know what? If you are so against BH, stay away from here and keep you mouth shut when we are showing concern for our fellow community, whether the loans were given to others who could or could not afford to have them. If it doesn't concern you directly, don't bother voicing you opinion...it means nothing but shows your ignorance! I sure hope nothing negative ever happens to you that causes havoc in your life or maybe you'd have to foreclose on your home...or you'd be a true hypocrite.

Posted by: BoBo here Location: SB on Jan 13, 2009 at 05:08 PM
No Mz, you didn't step on any toes... you called it like you see it, and that's called HONESTY... I LIKE THAT! Truth is, SB is a mess right now in certain areas, with thugs shooting thugs, but hey, it happens all over in many different cities. And so is the BH area, not all but it is what it is and i hope it re-developes into a great community. I am very familiar with that entire area and I think it has alot to offer, but can the community come together and make it happen??? I wish they would but I don't think MOST of the that community really wants it to happen... But what a beautiful area with so much to offer.

Posted by: Mz V Location: Benton harbor on Jan 13, 2009 at 02:52 PM
You really should think before you talk. I may be one of those foreclosed people. Not that I got into something that I can't afford. My father was purchasing a home and he's deceased and my mother's name was on the loan and if we allow this home to foreclose then they may go after my mother's home that she currently lives in.Don't think that Bh is raggedy as you call it. There are some nice areas and nice people here in our small community. You know I use to spend alot of time in South Bend shopping but now It's just like going to Chicago so we have changed directions if we can handle the crime in South Bend we can handle Chicago. So we go and enjoy the shopping and recreation there. We love it. We all should remember when you talk about someone it usually comes back. People have talked about Benton Harbor and look at your own back door. OOOPs did I step on some toes

Posted by: Mary Location: SB on Jan 13, 2009 at 10:59 AM
You guys are horrible.

Posted by: RC Location: Benton Harbor on Jan 13, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Benton Harbor has shown a lot of improvement with some nice restaurants and shops especially in the arts district. It is a micro-city with all the problems larger cities like South Bend has it is just it is not the south side or north side it is Benton Harbor. We have 8 empty homes around us fortunately the ones that have sold the new landlords are making lots of improvement - the neighbors are all watching the empty ones to be sure they are not vandalized before someone is in them. One house is empty because the owner is in Iraq - family is in Chicago - can't sell anything for a decent price right now so it sits and we watch it. I think comment here are a little harsh especially for people who only know BH from the news - I could judge SB harshly also just from the recent shootings. But I think it is a great city recently went to the historic clothing display at the Northern Indiana Museum - had lunch at Tippecanoe - how about coming up and trying some of our restaurants, art galler.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 13, 2009 at 12:44 AM
They were given loans they couldn't afford and I'm certain in most cases the lenders knew there was no way the home buyers could afford. The lenders all around the country figured hey if they stop paying/can't pay we'll just sell the debt to other collectors...Benton Harlem is raggedy anyhow, who really cares, that city doesn't even want to help itself, it want a gifts and hand outs...

Posted by: Tim Location: South Bend on Jan 12, 2009 at 11:21 PM
They should be renting with Section 8. When they lose their homes the neighborhood gets much safer.