Homeowner Assistance Program in Pa. Receiving $105-Million

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A federal program to help down-on-their-luck homeowners avoid foreclosure is sending $105-million to Pennsylvania.

The program is called the Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program, or EHLP, a federal effort that is modeled on a Pennsylvania program that gives financial aid to homeowners who are jobless (see the 3-On Your Side guide to EHLP).

The feds are setting aside $4-billion for this, with $105-million earmarked for Pennsylvania, according to Congressman Chaka Fatah, "These are loans provided to people at the point of need, and they pay it back over time."

One of the first to qualify locally is James Tyson, who says, "Sometimes we feel like The Color Purple: I've been fightin', fightin', fightin' all of my life, hoping something's going to come.  And I'm just thankful for your help."

For more info on the EHLP program call 215-334-HOME.

Reported by Mike Dunn, KYW Newsradio 1060