As the blight of home foreclosures slowly vanishes from headlines, the pain and uncertainty for millions of families across the country continues. Now, a tale of foreclosures in two states: Massachusetts and California.
In Massachusetts, the number of foreclosure filings doubled or tripled in several communities since the first quarter of last year. Foreclosure filings in Belmont, for example, were up 200% in 2008; statewide, they increased by nearly 2,500 filings.
In Dorchester, MA, community members recently took to the streets to clean up blighted homes. The City of Boston has also purchased several three or four-family homes and is looking to develop them shortly.
Meanwhile, California foreclosure rates are up over three times what they were in early 2007, and less than one-third of those who file for foreclosure are able to recover their losses. Foreclosure.com keeps track of the number of foreclosures in California and other states.
California residents can find help here and from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which may also be a good resource for others facing foreclosure nationwide.
November 12, 2008 at 11:34 pm
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