The Housing and Homeless Prevention Program provides services in three specific areas:
Long Term Credit Counseling/Payee Program
We have been providing this service since 1957. The counselor sets up a budget with the individual or family and upon signing the agreement payments are mailed to creditors on a monthly basis. The goal is to educate and return this responsibility back to them at the appropriate time. Included in this area are approximately 95 individuals who have been referred by Social Security for the Payeeship Program. In addition, we have been appointment by the Court as Conservator and Income Trust Trustee. We serve approximately 175 clients at a time through this program, and we are fiscally responsible for about $1.5 million in disbursements and other assistance returned to the community every year.
Housing Counseling
We provide housing counseling services that include pre-purchase homebuyer education classes, mortgage modification, mortgage forbearance and other related home ownership counseling. Beginning in November, 2009 Catholic Charities partnered with Posada for a grant that was received through the City & County of Pueblo entitled “Homelessness Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing Program.” This provides both direct assistance and credit counseling to families who have been victims of the nationwide economic downturn.
Our very own Christina Tigner has become a HUD Certified Counselor. Let her and our Home Stability Program assist with whatever needs you may be having. We can help with foreclosure, mitigation services, and other areas that you may not feel comfortable dealing with on your own.
Direct Assistance
Through grants received we provide direct assistance for rent, mortgage and utility assistance. Each grant has specific requirements and we have an in-house policy regarding the assistance. During the last fiscal year direct assistance was provided to 1,471 households, with $372,220 paid on behalf of these families. Each month, we are unable to help about 500 people who call.
PROGRAM GRANTORS: Energy Outreach Colorado, Board of Water Works, United Way, City & County of Pueblo, Colorado Trust, El Pomar Foundation, Pueblo County Department of Housing Human Services, Emergency Food & Shelter Program for both Pueblo and Crowley County, XCEL Energy Foundation, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, St. Francis Xavier, Christ the King, Our Lady of the Meadows, St. Leander, St. Pius X, Shrine of St. Therese
