Foreclosure Stress is Spreading to Infect the Counselors in St. Ambrose
Anne Balcer Norton the head of the largest foreclosure prevention team in Baltimore – St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center has been occupying this seat since 2007 fall – just after the foreclosure crisis began to be felt. She said, “I naively came into this position without fully appreciating how big this crisis would become. It is now pandemic.” What is worse is that the foreclosure stress is spreading to infect the counselors also.
Norton wants her staff to undergo stress management courses. She made the suggestion during one of the staff meetings asking if they had problems setting up limits with their clients who are hoping for miracles. Cara Stretch is one of the counselors said that this was not required. She said, “No, I think it’s more how not to take it home with you.”
Previously Cara had been engaged with a lender. She joined St. Ambrose at the close of 2007. For her the job was ideal as she tries to bring about a positive difference in the lives of people. The collective tension of her clients is formidable. When one of her clients had the auction date set for January, Care endured personal anxiety all through the vacations. She continued to work on the case although officially it was a holiday for her.
The loan servicers too are overworked. It is test of patience to finally get something out of them – either approval or rejection.
Another counselor at St. Ambrose is Bryan Sheldon. After submission of documents of one client the message came through that the borrower would be considered for modification. But after a lapse of many months nothing in writing followed up the initial assurance. Sheldon dialed the bank only to get the reply, “Thank you for calling Bank of America home retention division. We are here to help! Please be advised we are a debt collector.” Angela, the employee of the bank said that the loan was under consideration as regards its eligibility for assistance through HAMP. She further added, “I don’t show any decisions have been made. The normal period is 90 days, but it can be longer.” Sheldon wanted to know who would be in charge of the modification at the moment and pointed out that previously two negotiators had been assigned and then again reassigned. Angela replied that there was no one right then.
When asked about the foreclosure advances made, Angela said, “Currently the property is in foreclosure with no sale date; of course, one can be assigned at anytime.” All that Sheldon could do was to sigh.
