Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program

The Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program (EFPP) seeks to avert either a tenant's eviction or a homeowner's foreclosure proceedings by utilizing the skills of a trained mediator to help resolve rent or mortgage payment issues. The mediator acts as a third-party facilitator who will help develop mutually agreeable solutions to identified problems.

Problems typically addressed in this kind of mediation include back rent or mortgage payments; repairs; housing code violations; and miscommunication. EFPP also supports its customers through its Rent Bank which, under appropriate circumstances, can offer eligible families funds to help pay rent or mortgage arrears.

The program targets families who are at risk of becoming homeless as the result of imminent eviction or foreclosure. The guidelines define a "family" as a single individual; roommates; an extended family; or a one or two-parent family.

Those seeking help who would be considered suitable for this program must have the following:

• A steady source of income.
• The ability to pay future rent or mortgage.
• Rent or mortgage payments that would not constitute more than 60% of their income.
• Household income that is 60% or less of the State median income.
• A short-term hardship which created the inability to make mortgage or rent payments.
• An eviction letter, notice-to-quit, summons or notice of foreclosure.
• A landlord or bank willing to cooperate.
• No help received for at least the last 18 months.

Services are available to residents of Waterbury, Meriden, Torrington and surrounding towns. For more information, call (203) 575-4248 in Waterbury; (203) 235-0278 in Meriden; and (860) 482-9749 in Torrington.