Housing/Foreclosure Program

No end in sight for foreclosures

 

Sarasota and Manatee Counties--Recent year-end figures have been released and tell the story:  “Collectively, Southwest Florida finished 2009 with 27,129 properties in some stage of foreclosure, a 20 percent increase from 2008.” (Sarasota Herald Tribune, 1/14/2010.)

 

The housing market remains in steady crisis for Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Government relief has not been swift or seemingly responsive to the crisis. The Catholic Charities Housing and Foreclosure Program is absolutely overwhelmed with clients in dire need – many of whom cannot be assisted because the program has reached its limits.

 

Director Yraida Alonso has her hands full as she struggles to find places to refer people whom the program is unable to help. “The problem is other housing programs are in the same dilemma that we are in,” said Alonso. This past November, the program ran its first ever fundraiser to assist in meeting the needs. While the event was successful, sadly the demand is too great.

 

With so many people on the brink of homelessness, the program has shifted focus to serving those for whom saving their home is no longer an option. In collaboration with The Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness, Catholic Charities counselors will have an opportunity to work with ten homeless families over the course of this year through a rapid re-housing and sustainability program via a small grant.

 

To learn more about the Housing and Foreclosure Program of Catholic Charities, please contact Director Yraida Alonso at 941-714-7829 or at imcath@verizon.net.