Strapped homeowners come looking for help
The Post and Courier
Matt Davis, who works in loss mitigation at First Federal bank, helps Kim Short of Hanahan during the financial mortgage seminar Saturday.
Kim Short has been dangling on the edge of financial disaster for months now.
With eight people living in her Hanahan home and Short the only one left with a job, the 52-year-old insurance agent figures her monthly debts outpace her earnings by about $2,000.
She is about two months behind on mortgage payments, and the future has looked a little more desperate every day.
Hoping to find a way out of this economic quagmire, Short rushed to First Federal Corporate Center in North Charleston to meet a group of legal representatives, financial advisers and nonprofit officials who gathered on Saturday to give free counsel to financially strained homeowners.
"I am on my last straw," Short said with a thin smile. "I am at the point where I could lose my home. This is my last-ditch effort."
Short found herself in good company. More than 500 people turned out for the event, organized by Trident United Way, Family Services
Inc. and First Federal as a one-stop resource for distressed homeowners whose finances have been ravaged by the recession.
Attendees met one-on-one with foreclosure counselors who could contact mortgage lenders to try to work out new payment plans. Other financial advisers explained how to boost credit scores and manage debt.
Representatives from South Carolina Legal Services and a bankruptcy attorney provided free legal advice. Another group offered help with tax filings.
People packed the lobby of the Mall Drive bank center at 8 a.m., an hour before the day's first session began. First Federal opened up a second conference room to accommodate the crowd, and two additional legal aid lawyers were called in to help.
"It just shows there are more people in trouble out there than anyone imagines," said Debbie Kidd, housing director for Family Services Inc. in North Charleston.
"Pride keeps a lot of people from talking about their situation, but when you offer to do something to help them save their home, they will venture out."
Eric Morris, a 35-year-old Charleston native who now lives in the Charlotte area, showed up hoping he would find some way to avoid a pending foreclosure at month's end.
Morris said he is several months behind on the mortgage payments for his four-bedroom home, and he just can't make up the difference. He works for a tire company, and his pay has dropped about $25,000 in the past year due to cutbacks in the sour economy, he said.
He's not sure where he and his family will stay if the foreclosure goes through. He and his wife have four children; the youngest just 1 year old.
"I don't know what the next step will be," Morris said. "I'm hoping someone can do something to help. This is my first home. I don't want to lose it."
He attended the session at the urging of his friend Winston Johnson, a North Charleston mortgage broker who is about $4,000 behind in payments on his own home. Johnson said he expects to be all paid up by month's end.
But he has seen plenty of others fall further and further behind as unsympathetic loan collectors push them closer to foreclosure, he said. "It's just ruthless out there," he said.
Gus and Quetta Conyers of Mount Pleasant aren't in such dire straits yet. But they are worried.
Gus Conyers, 56, said the machine company where he works has cut back on his hours. His wife, unable to work due to osteoporosis and nerve damage, gets a monthly disability check which is now $700 less than it had been because of government cuts.
The Conyerses are all caught up with mortgage payments on their home of seven years. But how long can they keep that up with their earnings shrinking?
"We want to do something now, before it's too late," Gus Conyers said.
Ed Jellison, bankruptcy counselor for Family Services Inc., has heard any number of heart-breaking stories, from young couples losing their first home to elderly homeowners on the ropes after decades of financial security.
"It makes you step back and say 'Thank God I have a roof over my head,' " he said. "It really humbles you."
Saturday's turnout suggests that the new year will be marked by more hardship for many, Jellison said. "The real tragedy is that we are only seeing those people who are courageous enough to face their problems."
William and Terrie Venning of Mount Pleasant didn't mind asking for help. William Venning's truck driving job for an Orangeburg sod supplier has slowed considerably with the slump in new construction.
Some weeks, he earns as little as $47. The couple, who have three children, likely wouldn't be getting by if it weren't for Terrie Venning's job as a housekeeping manager at a retirement community.
As it is, the Vennings are two payments behind on the mortgage for their four-bedroom home. Their lender has offered little sympathy, just suggestions that they sell off property or find a roommate to bring in more cash, the Vennings said.
"Last month they told us not to send in a partial payment because we might need that money to relocate," William Venning said.
The couple said they felt better after meeting with counselors and advisers at First Federal. The advisers seemed to know the ins and outs of the business and offered to intercede on their behalf, they said.
Short, from Hanahan, also received some encouraging news. First Federal representatives told her she had been a good customer over the years, and they wanted to work with her, help her stay afloat.
She left the bank smiling, laughing, pumping her fists in the air. Hope had not run out.
Reach Glenn Smith at 937-5556 or gsmith@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
Slick50 (anonymous) says...
P&C
At the end of the strapped homeowners story is an "Inaugural Q & A" section. I am still trying to make the connection. Will the inauguration solve the mortgage crisis?
January 11, 2009 at 7:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
geekboy (anonymous) says...
"At the end of the strapped homeowners story is an "Inaugural Q & A" section. I am still trying to make the connection. Will the inauguration solve the mortgage crisis?"
********************************
How dare you question the toadying of the Pravda & Comrade to the Almighty Creator-elect!!!
January 11, 2009 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Don't feed the troll.
January 11, 2009 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dawhetsell (anonymous) says...
They put the Inaugural there because obama the illegal immigrant is going to spread the wealth. He is for change. He wants everyone one to live in a goverment owned house like him, everyone gets free medical,food stamps,welfare and spendingmoney. He is going to give everyone a job(most rather have a freebee)that is make work by the goverment. Doesn't this sound like a commiest,dictator,Hitler, China,Zembawae,Iran...ETC form of goverment. Everyone one is in this mess because of the GOVERMENT LEGISLATORS who sold their souls to THEIR GREEDY,VOTE,BUYING,LIEING,CHEATING,DECEIVING,CRONIES on Wall Street. Obama and the Legislators will print money until our country collapses with hyper-inflation.
January 11, 2009 at 9:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
geekboy (anonymous) says...
Posted by guidedbystewart on January 11, 2009 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Don't feed the troll.
--------------------------------
Wow... we all know Trollander will be here soon, and still I forgot to post the warning.
Thanks gbs!!!
January 11, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
a_set_love (anonymous) says...
As homeowners look for help from the Liberal Socialist Democrat controlled Congress ........
Since tricking, by lying, most of the people who voted for "0" Sen. Ried is now pushing S-22 and ordered soon to be president "0" to support it.
S-22, backed by most Liberal Socialists, is a "PORK" laden senate bill designed to remove the largest amount of land in the past 25 years, to Federal Protective Status.
Why is it so important,,, 300+ years worth of oil beneath the land, perhaps?
Uncle Tom "0" response to Sen. Ried........ "Yasa Boss"
January 11, 2009 at 10:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
a_set_love (anonymous) says...
Don't blame me folks, unlike GetSerious, guidedbystewart, JamesIslander, etc., I voted for the old grey headed guy and the "HOT CHICK". She would have kept the country straight and helped pull us out of this Liberal Socialist created mess.
This is why Liberal Socialist Democrats and Republicans "FEAR/HATE" her and are always trying to degrade her with lies.
January 11, 2009 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
a_set_love (anonymous) says...
Posted by GetSerious on January 11, 2009 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Uncle Tom "0" response to Sen. Ried........ "Yasa Boss"
You wouldn't say that in public you little f'ing coward. Racist piece of crap, you'll get yours soon enough.
******************************************************************
GetSerious - Were you aware of the fact that black people are incapable of being racist.
"0" is a "WHITE" guy trying to "PASS" for black.
January 11, 2009 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
a_set_love;The same mental adolesents, blinded by their incandescent hatred for Bush find it impossible to compose any rational thought.
Aside from a concurring remark to a fellow brain functioning poster like yourself I elect to treat them like some sub specie that can be observed but not expected to have communicative capabilities.
Most the mortgage difficulty these folks are experiencing can be traced right back to the vote buying, underhanded tactics of the lowlifes in the democrud party, most notably Barney Frank and Chris Dodd.
January 11, 2009 at 11:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
I_Love_d_Peninsula (anonymous) says...
Now you know why SC remains a&& backwoods.
I hope all works out for those people. Although, I am not in the same category as the participants, I constantly fear for my finances. You never know when it's your turn.
January 11, 2009 at 11:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
PLEASE remember that getserious is an un-balanced mental midget.
The mentality of a Troll is obvious - he wants a cheap laugh, and that is all. The offense that may be caused is of no concern to him, as are any other ramifications of his actions.
Trolls are a nuisance. They purposefully cause annoyance to other users, but their approach can, and does, vary. Some trolls are obvious, some are not. They're kids who aren't mature enough to have a sensible conversation.
Facts and arguments are a waste of time for a troll like getserious.
Main type of troll: people who have the psychological need to feel good by making others feel bad. <---getserious
And DO NOT FEED HIM
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2...
Thank God for GW Bush
Bush Says He Refused to Bail Out Republicans With Iraq Withdrawal
President Bush exudes serenity as he prepares to leave office, content that the war in Iraq is nearly won and he had the fortitude to buck his party despite incredible pressure to withdraw.
"During the darkest days of Iraq, people came to me and said, 'You're creating incredible political difficulties for us,'" the current president said as his term draws to a close. "And I said, 'Oh, really? What do you suggest I do?' And some suggested retreat, pull out of Iraq.
"But I had faith that freedom exists in people's souls and therefore, if given a chance, democracy and Iraqi-style democracy could survive and work," the president said. "I didn't compromise that principle for the sake of trying to, you know, bail out my political party."
"I'm better than fine -- I am proud of the accomplishments of this administration," he said. "I know I gave it my all for eight years, and I did not sell my soul for the sake of popularity. And so when I get back home and look in the mirror, I will be proud of what I see."
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/...
January 11, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
Didnt Clinton promise middle class tax cuts, than when he was elected (by less than 40% of the vote) he raised taxes as soon as he took office...
Obama Says Sacrifice Needed to Fix Economy, Some Promises Must Be Delayed...
'Everybody's Going to Have to Give'...
"At the end of the day, are you really talking about over the course of your presidency some kind of grand bargain? That you have tax reform, healthcare reform, entitlement reform including Social Security and Medicare, where everybody in the country is going to have to sacrifice something, accept change for the greater good?"
"Yes," Obama said.
"And when will that get done?" I asked.
http://blogs.abcnews.com/george/2009/...
"...accept change for the greater good?" Lets see, where have millions heard that before...? Oh I know, the many failed socialist/communist states.
Time for Football!
January 11, 2009 at 1:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
The Senator, a Democrat from Connecticut and Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee which regulates mortgage lending, was named in an article by Julie Hirschfeld Davis of the Associated Press and earlier by Conde Nast Portfolio magazine, as one of two senators ' the other being Senator Kent Conrad (D ' ND) ' as having received preferential treatment from Countrywide CEO Angelo Mozilo in obtaining mortgage loans. Dodd had earlier this year called Countrywide's lending practices "abusive."
One week ago the allegation of a similar deal with Countrywide forced former Fannie Mae Chairman Jim Johnson to step down from his volunteer position as head of Barack Obama's vice presidential search team.
"The Justice Department is making very serious inquiry into any possible wrongdoing that may involve (former Countrywide CEO) Anthony Mozilo, other Countrywide employees, Sen. Chris Dodd, Sen. Kent Conrad, (former Fannie Mae CEO) Franklin Raines or other public officials," said Feinberg's lawyer, Anthony Salvano. "Robert has always cooperated thoroughly with authorities and is strictly a witness in their investigation."
Shocking Video Unearthed Democrats in their own words Covering up the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Scam that caused our Economic Crisis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MGT_c...
January 11, 2009 at 1:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
EVIDENCE FOUND!!! Clinton administration's "BANK AFFIRMATIVE ACTION" They forced banks to make BAD LOANS and ACORN and Obama's tie to all of it!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivmL-l...
January 11, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
B_Fwank;I just watched the video. Pretty powerful stuff but left wing ideologues will just scoff at it and label it "right wing propaganda" .
None so blind as those who refuse to see.
January 11, 2009 at 1:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
getserious;
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3018/2...
January 11, 2009 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
do you ever get tired of being a loser troll?
January 11, 2009 at 2:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
typical troll attack - note the serious anger and frustration in the threats and half use of profanity.
Posted by GetSerious on January 11, 2009 at 10:52 a.m.
"Uncle Tom "0" response to Sen. Ried........ "Yasa Boss"
You wouldn't say that in public you little f'ing coward. Racist piece of crap, you'll get yours soon enough."
------------------------------------------------
Trolls like getserious live in a fantasy world where they are the main character, living out some twisted lie in need of attention, and they use a cowardly approach. They are typically someone with a psychological issue, a social disconnect with society as well as reality.
January 11, 2009 at 3:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jk (anonymous) says...
Who's fault is this? In order to solve a problem, you have to get to the root of the problem first. See video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rg3Lc...
January 11, 2009 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Funky_Winkerbean (anonymous) says...
Before we all attended the **Obamanation** we should remember that famous politicians mantra "promises were meant to broken"... Promises, Promises! I have never seen one president, senator, congressman, city council member or one mayor, we all know and love, so well, keep promise. They are all just a bunch of smooth talking, speak with forked-tongued devils. I do believe they will be the construction material in the 7th ring of hell. Do you really think you'll have a job this time next year? The only people who will have a job are the above mentioned. Talk has always been cheap... Maybe that's why we hear so much bull-slinging (I'm a lady , so I won't say what I really mean)lately...
Forever the Grump
Winkerbean
January 11, 2009 at 4:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jk (anonymous) says...
Why are we in this mess? See what really happened:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B2eLq...
January 11, 2009 at 4:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jk (anonymous) says...
More truth:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxMInS...
January 11, 2009 at 4:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
typical troll attack - note the serious anger and frustration in the half use of profanity (which is a sign of a weak minded & low IQ bonehead). No substance just stupidity and childish attacks.
Posted by GetSerious on January 11, 2009 at 4:31 p.m.
"Is jk short for Jack Koff? Because you sure sound like one"
---------------------------------------------------
Trolls like getserious live in a fantasy world where they are the main character, living out some twisted lie in need of attention, and they use a cowardly approach. They are typically someone with a psychological issue, a social disconnect with society as well as reality.
What a loser troll. Pathetic and desperate.
LMFAO!
January 11, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nappyd (anonymous) says...
So she and 8 others live in the house? Is it just me or does that sound like an impossibly big house, perhaps even too much house for her to have? I bet her neighbors love the extra cars in the driveway/on the street.
Sorry to get it off that political rant/attacking crap people turned the comments section into...
January 11, 2009 at 5:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
jk Have you noticed how the kings of ignorance respond when you offer them proof of the stupidity they cling to, much like a child not wanting to admit they peed the bed?
The puppy did it!
Unable to refute the truth they just peck out infantile garbage in silly shows of bravado.
If the truth weren't so damning one of these misfits might have the hutzbah to actually look at some of the offered videos of their two faced deomcrappy people in action.
Truth is, it is and they don't!
And everyone knows, only a coward is afraid of the truth.
January 11, 2009 at 6:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
And God knows that getserious is a fool and a coward. He has been shown over and over again that he is an idiot, by using his own postings or droppings if he were a bird.
What a weak ass troll you are DTMB/TP.
January 11, 2009 at 6:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
My question to asetlove: ""0" is a "WHITE" guy trying to "PASS" for black."
Enlighten me; if Mr. Obama (hypothetically if he wasn't famous) was to try to hail a cab in Manhattan what color/race do you think the cabbies would think he was as they drove past him?
I've had cabbies go past me and I'm lighter skinned than Mr. Obama.
As a bi-racial person I celebrate BOTH cultures from which I sprang. I do not ignore one side of my family for the other. But based on my physical features, society has dictated what race I am and I'm treated accordingly.
Mr. Obama has spoken lovingly of his mother and has credited her and his White grandparents for all of his successes. So apparently he is not ashamed of being half White. He has spoken openly and honestly of being a person of color (which he is regardless of his White mother) in his writings and speeches. He is married to a Black woman and has Black children.
Mr. Obama is not trying to 'pass', he is a man of color. He is not a White man in the conventional sense. His skin color, his hair texture and facial features all reflect a man of Black African descent.
Again, he's proud of his White heritage and credited his White family for all that he's accomplished.
But to continue this vein of "Obama isn't Black" is disingenuous as best.
He is what he is. He will be the first Black man to be inaugurated as the President of the United States.
Get over it.
Caveat: I did not vote for Mr. Obama. In fact I disagree with his economic and social policies and never once felt compelled to support his candidacy. However he will be the President and Commander-In-Chief of our great nation and I will support him until such time he does something worthy of impeachment or it is time to either re-elect him or vote for someone else.
January 12, 2009 at 1:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Thanks Figgy,
I didn't vote for Obama either, but I explained to my 12 yr old daughter that we respect our Commander-in-Chief regardless of the fact that we have different views about various subjects. Respecting our leader is what sets us apart from various foreign countries. I, also, told her that we will respect and support him until he gives us some reason not to. United we stand, dividid we fall, etc.
January 12, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jme (anonymous) says...
Wow I must say I am truly embarrassed by some people who post on here! The level of ignorance is amazing. A person once said, "Fighting over the better religion or political leader is like fighting over who has the best imaginary friend"...there is no end to the battle and there is never going to be a winner. Whats done is done, so let's make the best of it before our country suffers any more strain.
January 12, 2009 at 2:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gaitor66 (anonymous) says...
I think you are all a bunch of morons trying to sound inteligent,but its not working
January 17, 2009 at 2:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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