Service as a Solution to Foreclosure

I am pleased to give my space today to guest columnist Caleb Fiechter, director of United Way’s Volunteer Action Center.

It is no secret that volunteerism is a key asset to community impact.  Several months ago this column described how volunteers help create engaged communities that build capacity in local non-profits.  Yet what if volunteering   could also help keep Madison County residents in their homes?  A new program in Indiana is doing just that. 

Beginning in early 2011 Indiana launched a foreclosure assistance program known as the Hardest Hit Fund or HHF.  The initiative targets individuals who are recently unemployed and are at risk of losing their homes through no fault of their own.  Eligible participants receive monthly assistance towards their mortgages while engaging in structured activities that meet HHF guidelines. 

One of these activities, HoosierCorps, is the volunteer service option for HHF.  HoosierCorps allows clients to volunteer for 40 hours a month at non-profit organizations in order to meet program requirements.  Moreover, the program aims to match client skills, abilities, and interests with volunteer positions.  United Way of Madison County received a grant earlier this year to place and facilitate HoosierCorps volunteers.  Projected numbers for program enrollment in 2012 anticipates over 400 volunteers in Madison County alone. 

What an invaluable opportunity.  Non-profits understand better than anyone the impact that volunteers can have on their work.  According to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), Indiana utilized over 1.4 million volunteers in 2010 logging more than 181.6 million hours of service.  These hours not only save money for non-profit organizations, but they broaden social services, educate volunteers on local needs, and deepen connections in our community. 

HoosierCorps volunteers are expected to be recently unemployed career professionals offering highly relevant skill sets.  With an estimated 400 volunteers next year, this can serve as an incredible resource for local organizations.  By hosting HoosierCorps volunteers at local non-profits we can utilize all of these wonderful benefits while empowering individuals to stay in their homes.  This is truly a “hand-up” for our community. 

Taking advantage of this opportunity is simple.  If you are a non-profit organization in Madison County and would like to host volunteers, contact me, Caleb Fiechter, at United Way by calling 765-608-3062.  If you or someone you know is struggling with possible mortgage loan default, call Indiana’s help line 877-GET-HOPE to explore your options and determine if you qualify for the HHF program.  To learn more about or to apply for the HHF program, visit www.877GETHOPE.org.

Volunteers keep nonprofit agencies thriving.  It is programs like HoosierCorps that make this a reality.  United Way is excited for the potential impact that this program will have in Madison County.  By Living United we can address serious issues, like foreclosure, and work towards the common good.  Volunteer service truly is a solution.