An article in the March 30th, 2011 New York Times looks at the Home Affordable Modificaiton Program, a key part of the Obama administration’s foreclosure-prevention effort.  The program is widely considered to have fallen short of expectations, and the House of Representatives voted this week to eliminate it. In their investigation, the Times examined eight cases on Staten Island where homeowners represented by SILS were eligible for the program but still have not been able to obtain a permanent modification.

Among those who have been disappointed by the program are SILS clients Eric and Annette Padilla, who spoke to the Times about their struggle.

The March 27th Staten Island Advance shares the story of a widower who is being threatened with foreclosure after losing his wife— and the mother of his three children—to cancer last year. SILS attorney Joseph Sant is quoted in the piece.

Today's edition of The Staten Island Advance delivers an important message to homeowners facing foreclosure: free legal help is available.  SILS, the Richmond County Bar Association, and MFY Legal Services all provide free legal services to low-income Staten Island homeowners in foreclosure.  For those who do not qualify for free services, these groups provide referrals to experienced foreclosure defense attorneys. 

Margaret Becker, Homeowner Defense Project Director, is quoted in the piece discussing the importance of legal help in a foreclosure case.