Genesee Co. treasurer helps homeowners facing foreclosure - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(03/05/13) - 7,000 people are facing foreclosure trouble in Genesee County, but some are trying to help.

The county treasurer held a Property Tax Foreclosure Event in Flint Tuesday afternoon.

The event focused on people who owe 2010 property taxes. If they don't pay by April 1, they may be forced out of their homes.

"I'm embarrassed, I live in a very nice neighborhood, but you know what, I'm swallowing my pride," said Janis Meader of Swartz Creek.

Meader inherited her house from her mother in 2004. She's been struggling to keep up with bills ever since, and could lose her home.

"I work as a security guard and here I am scrapping and saving, I have a sister who's been out of work for over four years, cannot find a job, so it's my income," she said.

Financial experts, including the Genesee County Treasurer, set up tables offering advice, and Meader stopped at every one.

"This is a life preserver, this is a lifeboat, there are agencies, programs with everything and anything, the problem is to swallow your pride, dust off your shoes, come here and inquire," she said.

Treasurer Deb Cherry says one state program in particular could be helpful. She says the Michigan State Housing Development Authority will pay up to $30,000 in back property taxes if the homeowner qualifies.

"If they get the funds and they stay in that home for five years they won't have to pay back any of that money," Cherry said.

Cherry says anyone who needs help paying property taxes to contact her office at 810-257-3054.