The assistance is available to a family of four with a gross family income of $35,341 or less.

The assistance is available to a family of four with a gross family income of $35,341 or less.

STAFF REPORT

WARREN — Trumbull County commissioners have authorized the Trumbull County Department of Job and Family Services to pay Niles financial adviser Terry J. Stauffer to begin a new program to help county residents facing foreclosure.

The contract calls for Stauffer, a mortgage banker for 24 years, to make $46,940 in federal JFS money to provide counseling to people meeting income guidelines.

Stauffer said a common problem among homeowners is to ignore notices from their bank regarding late house payments, even after three to four months when the bank’s mitigation department starts contacting them.

Instead of ignoring such calls and letters, Stauffer said he will work with mortgage officials and clients to get the homeowner into a workable payment plan.

Melissa Binion, a contract evaluator with the Trumbull JFS, said those making 200 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the counseling.

That means a family of four having a household income of $35,341 in gross income is eligible, she said.

That means some people not normally eligible for JFS services may be eligible for the counseling, she said.

JFS also provides assistance of up to $3,000 for qualifying individuals toward house payments owed.

Among the requirements to receive the assistance are evidence of having income, proof the foreclosed property is the homeowner’s primary residence, verification the applicant can make future payments, proof of being age 18 or older with at least one dependent under 18, pregnant or be a noncustodial parent of a child under 18.

For more information, call (330) 675-2249.