I have been documenting my experience as a 52 year old Slidell, Louisiana woman who is disabled and trying to acquire assistance with housing with an eviction looming from GMAC Mortgage.
My husband and I taped an interview with "Action Reporter" Bill Capo, from WWL-TV Channel 4 (New Orleans). On Thursday, June 16th, this feature aired on the 10:00 P.M. News. This whole interview took about 3 hours to complete. I was able to tell my story in its entirety to Mr. Capo and he was ready with all the right questions. Of course, it was edited and much of our lengthy interview was omitted due to the constrictions of television. The edited result can be viewed on line at the WWL-TV web site under "Action Reports".
Our foreclosure took place on April 28, right after we celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. Now we await the forthcoming eviction notice from GMAC Morgage... Any day now.
I began my research after the sheriff came to our door in January of this year with a foreclosure notice from our mortgage company, GMAC. Since then, my efforts are continuing to learn about my options as a disabled individual and trying to find programs that could save our home. We knew there were programs out there, and we trusted GMAC to submit us to any programs that may assist us in keeping our home.
We provided our income information to them as soon as the foreclosure process began. The sale of our home was set for April 28th. On the 27th, GMAC informed us they needed more information. My husband scrambled around to fulfill their request, faxed 9 pages to GMAC, and then called to confirm that GMAC had received the information.
The next day, we were told that we were "denied" by everyone and we lost our home. I was a little suspicious, as they certainly didn't have enough time (literally overnight) to submit us anywhere. I have repeatedly asked for the documentation of who they submitted us to and why we were denied, to no avail. One day, I got Mary on the phone from GMAC. She informed us that we were never submitted to anyone... So there was no denial! Conveniently, she did state that they had received the paperwork they requested, but it was dated the 29th—the day after the foreclosure! We knew that we provided this on the 27th.
The funny thing is, Mr. Capo spoke with the attorney representing our mortgage company, GMAC. She confirmed that our home had been foreclosed on and we will soon be evicted. Mr. Capo asked what will happen to our home, will it be put up for sale? Her answer shocked him—our home is becoming a HUD home! He has suggested to all parties involved that we be allowed to stay put and has now reached out to HUD about this situation. We'll see...
This email was sent to everyone in my address book, asking for my story to be forwarded to everyone they know. And it was sent to any federal, state and local government offices, and every organization that I could find that deals with advocacy, disability issues, and consumer affairs. I also contacted our local media, as well as newspapers, magazines, talk shows and news programs nationally.
At the age of 52 and disabled, I am facing homelessness. Thanks, GMAC.
0 comments