Foreclosure Counseling Stabilizes Households on Cape Cod

Among the services that HAC Housing Counselors Heidi Archibald (left) and Betsie Rumbaugh provide is foreclosure counseling to homeowners on Cape Cod and the Islands. 

Over the past 21 years, HAC has helped countless families and individuals stay in their homes through foreclosure counseling. HAC is the only agency certified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to offer this service to residents on Cape Cod and the Islands.

“I think it helps stabilize families and keeps their kids in the same school district which provides regularity and stability for children,” said Cassi Danzl, HAC’s Director of Family and Individuals Services. “For older, elderly populations, it allows them to age in their homes where people are typically on a fixed income and can’t afford the rents here.”

HAC currently has two housing counselors – Heidi Archibald and Betsie Rumbaugh – who offer one-on-one counseling for homeowners at risk of foreclosure. Cheryl Codair, HAC’s Director of Education and Engagement, provides group-based support through the agency’s financial literacy classes which include pre- and post-purchase workshops.

Since November 1, HAC has fielded 24 phone calls from homeowners seeking information about foreclosure counseling.

The process, Rumbaugh said, can be overwhelming. “I’ve had people walk in and they are very stressed and afraid about the future,” she said. “They are starting to become aware of the housing issue on Cape Cod and how difficult it is to find an alternative place to live if they lose their home.”

Counseling is aimed at building trust and providing solutions to addressing a household’s current financial situation. “We guide them to pick up the pieces so they can move forward,” Rumbaugh said.

Archibald said the sooner a homeowner can come to HAC, the better. HAC has several internal programs that can support clients, including offering one-time financial assistance to those who may have fallen behind on their mortgage payments due to unforeseen circumstances such as loss of a job, illness, or divorce.

Despite the emotional nature related to foreclosures, both Archibald and Rumbaugh said they enjoyed being able to help clients stabilize their housing. “I love working with the community and contributing to helping people stay in their homes,” Rumbaugh said. “I think the fact that there is such a shortage of housing available on Cape Cod makes housing counseling very important to the community.”