The Homeownership Education and Counseling group was formerly a program of Oregon Homeownership Association (OHA), which dissolved in 2010.  This Working Group has an advisory group:

• Emily Reiman, Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO)
• Olympia Church, NeighborWorks Umpqua
  (Emily and Olympia are also the group’s facilitators)
• Lynne Ewing, Community Connection Of Northeast Oregon, Inc.,
• Beth Larsen, Community Housing Services
• Matina Kaufmann, Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East
• Michelle Puggarana, Portland Housing Center
• Loretty Kelly, Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA)
• Brigetta Olsen, Willamette Neighborhood Housing Services

Currently, several Oregon ON members, including NEDCO’s Emily Reiman (pictured right), have been working on the rulemaking process for SB 1552, as part of a special Oregon ON Homeownership Counseling Subcommittee. Throughout this process, Emily has been meeting regularly with homeownership counselors all over the state to find out the best and most efficient way to implement the program so that it is actually doable and helps homeowners.

SB 1552 offers mediation to homeowners in foreclosure or underwater in their mortgages, giving them the opportunity to discuss foreclosure- avoidance measures with their bank and a neutral third party. Part of the legislation stipulates that homeowners must receive counseling before they are eligible for mediation, which could potentially greatly increase the demand for homeowner counseling across the state.

Our goal in participating in the rulemaking process is to ensure the best outcome for homeowners, and our members and housing counselors.

Contact Terrie Hendrickson regarding webinars and other programming from this group.