Eviction On Hold As Supporters Rally Around Downriver Couple
SOUTHGATE (WWJ) - A downriver couple who faced eviction this week have gotten a brief reprieve.
Rob and Debbie Henry of Southgate are one of many Michigan families fighting to remain in their home. The Henrys had fallen behind in their house payments, forcing them to sign a loan modification deal with Bank of America. But they say the bank switched the terms of the contract and asked for $34,000 up front when the loan was sold to another entity, Fannie Mae.
The Henrys were to be evicted on January 2, but their attorney has managed to get their case into court.
Debbie Henry was asked about her future in that home.
"I'm hoping for the best, you know. We've gotta hope for the best and, you know, I hope that somehow this wakes Fannie Mae up," she said.
"People Before Banks" Tuesday held a rally outside the Henrys' home before marching to a local Bank of America branch.
That's where WWJ Newsradio 950's Pat Sweeting talked with group spokesman Steve Babson.
"We need to have a moratorium on foreclosures," Babson told WWJ Newsradio 950's Pat Sweeting. "This is something that impacts millions of people, not just those that are facing foreclosure and eviction, but people who are neighbors whose homes are falling in value because of the avalanche of foreclosed homes that are going on the market at distressed prices."
"We're drawing attention to a circumstance which the bank and Fannie Mae would prefer to keep on the hush-hush. They're denying people modifications," he said. "In the case of the banks, they would prefer to sell the mortgage at full value to Fannie Mae."
Link To Photo Gallery here.
A Bank of America spokeswoman says they are trying to help the couple keep their homes by offering them a program for people who have trouble making the full payment because of hardships.
Meantime, the Henrys' eviction remains on hold at least until their court date set for January 19.
