The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) has earned national recognition for helping to prevent foreclosures and for developing cutting edge homeownership programs.NeighborWorks America has presented NECAC with a certificate of appreciation for its participation in the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program and its dedication to preserving and promoting homeownership. The program recently reached a milestone of assisting more than two million homeowners across the country.“We are excited and honored to receive this recognition,” said NECAC President and Chief Executive Officer Don Patrick. “We have seen a significant growth in the number of people we’ve been able to help through our foreclosure mitigation and homeownership programs, and we continue to develop new services.”NECAC is a 12-county area not-for-profit social service, community health and public housing Community Action Agency. NECAC contracts with federal, state and local governments, private businesses and other not-for-profit organizations to operate and administer self-sufficiency service programs for the low-income, elderly, youth, disabled and disadvantaged population. The agency’s Central Administration Offices are located in Bowling Green, with NECAC Service Centers operated in each county.NeighborWorks is a Congressionally chartered organization that supports community development through grants and technical assistance. NECAC has been a chartered member of NeighborWorks since 2004, and has used grants to finance a variety of homeownership, foreclosure mitigation and housing rehabilitation programs.NECAC continues to open the door to new housing and homeownership opportunities with a variety of innovative programs and cooperative efforts.The agency works with funding partners to develop apartment complexes, provide housing and weatherize homes. NECAC has developed the Healthy Homes and Aspire Partnership prison homes programs, and is in the beginning stages of creating a Tiny Homes initiative.“We are very proud of our work in preventing foreclosures, but equally as proud of our work in helping people attain their dream of homeownership,” said NECAC Deputy Director for Housing Development Carla Potts. “We truly believe that every day we are making a difference in the lives of people in Northeast Missouri.”NECAC Homeownership Programs Director Debbie Smith speaks with about 15 families a month and explains that foreclosure counseling is an “umbrella term” that is often used for mortgage assistance.“People do not have to be facing immediate foreclosure to speak with a NECAC counselor,” she said. “In fact, it is better to speak to someone about their mortgage than wait until it is in jeopardy.”Options include repayment plans, loan modification and forbearance, deed in lieu, short sale and property sale.“There should never be a charge for foreclosure counseling,” Smith said. “There are a lot of people needing help. We are just a small part of helping them decide what fits best for their family.”More information about NECAC homeownership and foreclosure mitigation programs is available by calling Potts or Smith at 573-324-6622.NECAC