Are you facing foreclosure? Know your options
Foreclosures are a growing nationwide trend and Bartlett officials want homeowners to know their options.
In 2006, Bartlett had 98 foreclosures out of 11,361 owner-occupied units. That translates into a rate of 8.63 per 1,000 units, one of the lowest rates in the Northwest suburbs.
If you're facing foreclosure, the village recommends contacting the Homeownership Preservation Foundation HOPE hotline at (888) 995-HOPE or visit the Web site foreclosurehelpandhope.org. The nonprofit agency offers free, confidential counseling in English and Spanish.
Another resource is a nonprofit organization created by Congress called NeighborWorks America. For more visit www.nw.org and click on Center for Foreclosure Solutions.
On a similar note: The Tri-Villages managed to escape the recent storms relatively unscathed compared to other towns.
Still, residents should know the Illinois State Treasurer recently announced that low interest loans are available to storm victims living in Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties under Opportunity Illinois Disaster Loan programs.
Eligible residents are living in declared disaster areas, waiting for insurance settlements or other aid programs to take effect.
For more information on locating participating financial institutions and the application process, call the State Treasurer's office at (312) 814-1700. Call Opportunity Illinois at (312) 814-1244 or e-mail opportunityillinois@treasurer.state.il.us.
Project Back Pack: Corporate America Family Credit Union, 305A S. Bartlett Road, Streamwood recently hosted a school supply drive for Oak Hill Elementary School in the village to benefit students in need.
Called Project Back Pack, the drive resulted in the donation of many useful items, including backpacks, notebooks, folders, binders, crayons, markers, rulers, facial tissue, glue sticks, drawing pencils and pencil cases.
Oak Hill Principal Patricia Barrett said the program provided more than just school supplies.
"Corporate America's donations will provide many children with a more rewarding learning experience for the upcoming school year," Barrett said. "It's great to have such wonderful support from a local financial institution."
Corporate America officials say it was an opportunity to give back to the community.
"Having our generous members donate so many supplies truly is a gift. The heart-warming welcome and thanks that we received made this experience that much more enjoyable," said Streamwood branch manager Steve Naatz.
Democratic process: Here's a reminder that Hanover Park's elected officials host a call-in program from 7 to 9 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of every month. Call (630) 372-4205 during those hours.