BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

The Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc., (CDC) recently received a $60,120 grant to provide foreclosure prevention. The grant was the second largest awarded in the state awarded by the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program.

Marquaz McGhee, Housing Manager for the CDC of Tampa, Inc., said, “The grant will enable the CDC to provide assistant to about 175 homeowners. The competitive grant was processed by Neighborhood Works.

“It will allow us to reach and assist more clients and help homeowners to understand the home retention programs. Studies show that working with a certified housing counseling agency, homeowners are eleven times more likely to receive a workout from their servicer.”

McGhee further stated that for the past four years, the CDC has offered classes where homeowners can learn about all options and programs available to them.

The CDC is in the planning stages of hosting two foreclosure prevention programs. One will take place in May in Tampa and the second will take place in Polk County in July. However, the programs have not been finalized, he said.

The classes are held every Tuesday at 1907 E. Hillsborough Avenue, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The classes are free and open to the public.

McGhee said that those wishing to attend the classes are asked to pre-register. However, they can register the same day of the class.

Those wishing to register can call (813) 231-4362, extension 308. For more information about the grant, visit the website at  HYPERLINK “http://www.cdcoftampa.org” www.cdcoftampa.org.