Rulon Washington on Homeowner Assistance Fund

Q&A: Wells Fargo's Rulon Washington on Homeowner Assistance Fund Available for Homeowners with COVID-Related Financial Hardship

Rulon Washington

The last three years have been difficult for us all and continue to be a challenge. Homeowners on the verge of losing their homes due to a financial hardship and struggling to stay afloat may receive help using the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). HAF assists in preventing mortgage delinquencies and defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities, and displacement of homeowners experiencing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.

Wells Fargo has a dedicated outreach team in place solely focused on keeping people in their homes. Rulon Washington, Wells Fargo’s East Region Leader of Mortgage Sustainability, stands ready to engage the right partners to assist homeowners with financial hardships. With more than 20 years of financial and mortgage experience, Washington has been engaged in community outreach work for the company since the 2008 housing crisis, providing grassroots outreach to those markets hardest hit by severe delinquency and foreclosure and assisting homeowners nationwide through nonprofit and community engagement efforts, support of housing counseling agencies and departments nationwide, and more.

For this special conversation, Rulon shares tips and information about the HAF program that could provide homeowners with much-needed relief:

There have been many assistance programs created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Are any of those programs available for mortgage assistance?

Rulon: The Homeowner Assistance Fund was created as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Through the Homeowner Assistance Fund, U.S. Department of the Treasury is distributing up to $9.961 billion to eligible states, territories, and tribes. Depending on availability and usage of funds, this mortgage assistance program is expected to be available through September 2025. In an effort to prioritize the use of these funds, Wells Fargo has created a Homeowner Assistance Fund landing page for homeowners. http:// www.wellsfargo.com/homeownerassistancefund.

Who is eligible to apply?

Rulon: These funds are available for homeowners who have experienced a financial hardship after January 21, 2020. They can be used to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, and foreclosure, by providing financial assistance for one’s primary residence. In addition, some programs may also assist with avoiding the loss of utilities and assist with other qualified expenses.

How important is it to contact your mortgage company if you happen to run into financial challenges?

Rulon: Wells Fargo and other servicers are engaging with customers through emails, letters, and by phone to help their payment challenges. It is important that customers respond to this outreach or contact their servicers, as it’s the best way to ensure a smooth transition.

What is the best advice you would give to someone who has fallen behind on their mortgage?

Rulon: Please do not wait until the mortgage is severely past due. Call your mortgage servicer as soon as you know you can’t make your monthly payment. The phone number is listed on your monthly bill. Explain why you can’t make your monthly payment and ask the servicer for assistance.

What other resources are available to help homeowners who are faced with payment challenges?

Rulon: United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certified housing counseling agencies are a trusted resource for homeowners who are looking for local assistance. If you need help dealing with broader financial challenges, reach out to a local HUD-approved, non-profit housing counseling agency for financial education, mortgage help services, and other free assistance. You can find a local, trusted HUD approved housing counseling agency at: http://www.hud. gov/counseling

Learn more about the Homeowner Assistance Fund and the assistance available to homeowners at http://www. wellsfargo.com/homeownerassistancefund

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From MoneySaving lives The Mount Sinai Robert F. Smith buiness, finance + work Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit

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By Jean Nash Wells

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As men age, the cells in the prostate gland can become cancerous. Every year in the United States, more than 30,000 men die from prostate cancer, second only to skin cancer. About one in eight men in America will develop the condition at some point in their lives, and about one in 40 will die from it. Age is the greatest risk factor for prostate cancer. While only one in 10,000 men under age 40 will be diagnosed, that number leaps to one in 14 for those ages 60 to 69. About 60 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65, and 97 percent occur in men 50 years of age and older.

All of these facts are reasons for concern, but Black men must be particularly vigilant. Black men have a 70 percent higher rate of developing high-risk prostate cancer, and are more than twice as likely to die from it. Prostate cancer usually has no noticeable symptoms. The first sign of disease is often found during a routine screening exam. This is why screening is important.

But there is good news; with early detection, prostate cancer can be treated successfully and thanks to billionaire businessman and philanthropist Robert F. Smith, the lives of more Black men in New York City can be saved. The Mount Sinai Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit, a state-of-the-art mobile facility equipped with advanced scanning and trained staff, enables early detection of prostate cancer for at-risk Black men. The mobile

Tracey Phillips is grateful that she finally has a place to call home. Once homeless and battling substance abuse, Phillips recently moved into her own apartment in Newark, NJ, thanks to Broadway House for Continuing Care. Reflecting on her two-year stay at the facility, Phillips says, “Broadway House really saved my life. I thank God… and I thank Broadway House.” Located in Newark, Broadway House provides world-class healthcare and rehabilitation to residents with complex needs, including HIV/AIDS, homelessness, addiction, abuse, and other deep social issues. Founded in 1995, Broadway House is New Jersey’s only specialized longterm care facility for people living with HIV/AIDS. In addition, Broadway House provides excellent subacute care for people recovering from accidents and a variety of illnesses. It is affiliated with University Hospital, a renowned academic healthcare center. “Newark is a dynamic city with a diverse population of people, many of whom face significant challenges,” said Broadway House President and CEO James Gonzalez, MPH, FACHE, LNHA. “Broadway House really fills a void in our area. We serve a population that is not met by other long-term care facilities, providing a full range of medical, Black men have a 70 percent higher behavioral, and social support services. During their stay with us—which can often be several years—our residents rate of developing high-risk prostate become like family. Our goal is to see them go on to lead cancer, and are more than twice as productive, dignified lives back in their local communities.”likely to die from it.

Prayers Answered

Several years ago, Phillips had lost hope for her future. The Newark resident was in a tumultuous long-term relationship that left her homeless and addicted to drugs and alcohol. It took a broken knee to finally turn the tide. After undergoing surgery at University Hospital, Phillips came to Broadway House to heal her knee and her spirit: “When I came to Broadway House, I was in a wheelchair and on methadone. It took months and months to finally get out of the wheelchair and start walking with the help of a walker. Thanks to Broadway House, I’ve kicked methadone and my substance abuse, diabetes, and high blood pressure are under control. If it weren’t for Broadway House, I don’t know where I’d be.”

Phillips recently moved into a new apartment at HELP Genesis JBJ Soul Homes, a 51-unit affordable housing complex a few blocks from Broadway House with access to in-house support services, including case management Tracey Phillips

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and employment assistance. Approximately a quarter of apartments in the complex are occupied by tenants living with HIV/AIDS—many of whom were referred by Broadway House. Now, Phillips is hoping to enroll in a job skills program for women to gain more confidence and help support herself: “I’m happy to have a real place to call home. My health is good, and that makes my mother so happy. Her prayers were answered.”

“Broadway House really saved my life. I thank God… and I thank Broadway House.”

As soon as a resident arrives at Broadway House, a comprehensive medical and support team begins working on a plan of action to restore their health and provide a wide range of personalized services. Broadway House Medical Case Manager Maria Lorenzo is part of the team that supports residents as they prepare to begin their lives anew in the community. Her role is critical for longterm success: Arranging for housing, entitlements like Social Security, and potential family support, as well as medical and mental health care that may be needed after discharge. “It takes a lot of coordination when a resident is returned to the community,” she explains. “Yet, it’s worth every bit of the effort.”

Never Give Up

Another recent Broadway House success story is Doreen Dewoolf, who proudly moved into a new senior apartment in Newark last summer. Several years ago, Dewoolf found herself living on the streets in South Jersey, alone and addicted to drugs. Her worried son called police, and after a month-long hospital stay, Dewoolf came to Broadway House.

While at Broadway House, she received the comprehensive medical care and behavioral support she needed to beat her drug addiction and regain control of her life. Surrounded by support, Dewoolf benefited from excellent mental health and infectious disease care. Lorenzo also arranged for the Newark native to attend a methadone clinic, qualify for Social Security and additional medical insurance, and eventually, to move into her new apartment. When the big day arrived on June 29, Dewoolf was “super psyched about leaving.” Her comfortable apartment was fully furnished and stocked with a week’s worth of groceries. She now also qualifies for Meals on Wheels to ensure she continues to receive proper nutrition. Dewoolf says, “It took me a while to change, but now I can see a vision for my future. I want the best for myself—and I know Broadway House never gave up on me.”

God Has A Plan

While some Broadway House residents choose to live independently after discharge, others renew relationships with family members, who can provide critical support. Since coming to Broadway House several years ago, Christine Balek had one dream: To return home to Connecticut and live with her mother. That dream became a reality on July 11, when her mother and brother picked her up to start her new life. Balek arrived at Broadway House in rough shape. The death of her fiancé had sent her into a downward spiral and years of substance abuse, homelessness, and uncontrolled HIV had taken their toll. Entering hospice care, Christine wanted to die. Yet, the professionals at Broadway House refused to give up on her. Christine benefited from expert medical care and medication management, intensive substance abuse counseling, social services, and emotional support from trained mental health professionals. Lorenzo also helped to reconnect Christine with her family in Connecticut, working directly with them to plan for her discharge. It took a lot of support from an interdisciplinary team, and by last spring, Christine’s HIV lab levels were stable. She had also developed the ability to handle the day-today tasks of caring for herself and living independently. Reflecting on her experiences at Broadway House—and the new life she has started with her family—Christine says, “I am grateful for all the care I received while I was here. It was a struggle, but no one at Broadway House ever looked down on me. They taught me that I am worth it. Now, I know that God has a plan for me.”

If you or someone you know can benefit from the comprehensive care provided by Broadway House, go to www.broadwayhouse.org or call 973-268-9797, ext. 1013.

KAHLIL CARMICHAEL THE FITNESS DOCTOR

Kahlil Carmichael MAPCC, MDIV, CPT is the pastor of Live Well Church, in Somerset, New Jersey. He is a fitness specialist at The Fitness Doctor, a fitness and wellness consulting company; and the author of 50 Tips for a Better You. He is a contributor to Guideposts magazine. His first publication, Living Longer Living Better, is available now. Go to www.livewellchurch.org for more information.

You Are What You Eat

“You are what you eat.” Hearing this as a youth, I had visions of myself turning into a donut or candy. But I learned that is not far from the truth. Your body runs on whatever nutrients it can harvest from what you eat. If you are eating healthy, whole foods you are giving your body a great range to choose from. Let’s get into it and discuss the benefits of a healthy diet.

By diet, I mean your intake, not unsustainable fads like eliminating all carbs or surviving on liquids. A balanced diet is within your grasp—you don’t need expensive packaged meals and supplements to see improvement. Let’s start with a trip to the grocery store. Do you over shop or get inundated with high calorie food choices? You are not alone. Many grocery stores have the same layout, encouraging you to shop with your stomach. Avoid shopping when you’re hungry to counteract this and shop the perimeter. Fresh produce, meats and fish, and dairy items are all on the outer aisles. Focus your time there to purchase more whole, unprocessed foods.

Whole and unprocessed foods are things like vegetables, grains, legumes, fruits, nuts, meats, seafood, eggs, and milk. Concentrate on items like this, simply prepared, and your body will thank you.

What are some of the benefits of a controlled diet? Whole foods are full of natural nutrients, in a form that your body can better absorb. They have fiber, which helps your gut health; and antioxidants, which possibly protect your cells against free radicals. Some additional benefits of improving your diet are weight loss, migraine relief, healthier hair, increased energy, fewer mood swings, improved skin, minimized risk of heart disease and cancer, looking better as you age, and perhaps the best one–you’ll start to dislike processed foods!

Extremely addictive, processed foods are full of chemicals and loaded with added sugars and fats to make your body crave more. By planning your meals for most of the week and purchasing healthy items from the grocery store, you can make a drastic improvement in your health. You’re worth the effort!

I suggest a doctor’s visit to evaluate the current status of your health. In some cases, medicines will be needed to normalize blood pressure, lower cholesterol, etc. But this change in diet will likely lead to more controlled numbers. With your doctor’s approval, start to add in heart-healthy activity like walking. Before you know it, you will look and feel better.

I’ve provided a balanced workout you can do from home. Start slowly and build in intensity

Live well and prosper.

Fitness training is available through the Live Well Church FITCARE program, offered at the Fitness Doctor Studio in Somerset, New Jersey. Please call Karen Beasley at 732-912-4435 to schedule a free assessment.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this column is of a general nature. You should consult your physician or health care professional before beginning any exercise program or changing your dietary regimen.