State of Alabama: Office of Governor Robert Bentley http://governor.alabama.gov/news/news_detail.aspx?

ID=4425

Office of the Governor

ROBERT BENTLEY
Governor STATE OF ALABAMA Press Office

February 2, 2011

Governor Bentley Announces Foreclosure Prevention Help for

Unemployed Alabama Homeowners

MONTGOMERY—Governor Robert Bentley announced today the creation of Hardest Hit Alabama (HHA), a new program
providing $162 million for the prevention of foreclosure in Alabama.

In August 2010, the U.S. Department of Treasury announced $2 billion in federal funding to provide additional assistance targeted
at unemployed homeowners in states with the highest unemployment rates. The Alabama Housing Finance Authority has been
allocated approximately $162 million in federal funds to help unemployed or underemployed homeowners with temporary
assistance to avoid foreclosure while they are unemployed.

“Record foreclosures and continued high unemployment are causes for concern for our state,” said Governor Bentley.
“Homeowners who have experienced a temporary loss of income can benefit from short-term assistance to help bridge the gap
until they have restored their income. This assistance is designed to help families stay in their homes until they can they find
employment.”

Eligible homeowners will receive assistance to pay their mortgage payments and all other mortgage-related expenses, including
payments on any subordinate liens, while unemployed or underemployed. HHA will provide up to 12 monthly mortgage
payments, or $15,000, per household.

Alabama homeowners who have been declared eligible by the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations to receive state
unemployment compensation benefits, either due to unemployment or underemployment, may apply. To qualify, applicants must
currently have a total annual household income of less than $75,740, and the unpaid principal balance on their home’s mortgages
must be less than $258,690. The homeowner must currently occupy the property as their primary residence, and the home must
be located in Alabama. Assistance will be available for single-family homes, attached or detached, and manufactured housing
attached to real property.

“Responsible families across the state have found themselves unable to pay their mortgages due to joblessness,” said AHFA
Executive Director Robert Strickland. “These homeowners are generally not eligible for loan modifications, putting them at
substantial risk of mortgage default and foreclosure.”

HHA is now accepting applications from homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage payments due to job loss. The program is
being administered by the Alabama Housing Finance Authority. Interested homeowners must submit an application for Hardest Hit
assistance through a secure website (www.HardestHitAlabama.com). HHA is available statewide to qualified homeowners on a
first-come, first-served basis.

Citizens needing information on regarding eligibility or to apply can visit www.HardestHitAlabama.com or call 1.877.497.8182.

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For contact information, visit: http://www.governor.alabama.gov

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