Government Website

“That government website is ridiculous! I kept filling out the online application, and the website kicked me back to the beginning,” said John McFairlane. “I called to talk to a ‘qualified representative,’ sat on hold forever, and then got the run-around!”

That was one year ago, and the website McFairlane was referring to is the “Keep Your Home California” website.

The “Keep Your Home California” program began when the state received billions of dollars in Federal bailout money to help struggling homeowners and prevent foreclosures. To qualify for assistance, people must have suffered a hardship such as job loss; cut in pay; divorce; or heavy medical bills. The assistance is in the form of money for people on unemployment; principal reduction on home loans; money for catch-up on late payments; and money for relocation expenses.

The program was a disappointment initially, the website performed poorly, and far fewer people were approved for help than originally estimated.

McFairlane was injured on the job, couldn’t work, and lost his income. He received disability payments, but it wasn’t enough money to keep up his home loan payments.

“Then came the paperwork,” said McFairlane. “I spent hours and hours on it. And I was denied!”

But there has been a change over the last year with Keep Your Home California. Rules for qualification have been relaxed, and the website is streamlined. People are being approved for assistance at a faster pace.

“On the advice of a buddy of mine, I took another shot at it a month ago.” said McFairlane. “The difference was like night and day. My online application went smoothly, and when I called, I spoke with a real human- a nice one!”

McFairlane’s loan payment was cut in half. “I just can’t believe it,” he said. “I get to keep my house. It’s a miracle, a dream come true.”

McFairlane thanks his friend for urging him to try again, and he passes on the sentiment.

“Don’t give up. There is help for people who need it,” he says.

“You just gotta keep an eye on those government websites.”