Farmington Hills, Mich., (June 8, 2018) An affiliation between GreenPath Financial Wellness and the Homeownership Preservation Foundation (HPF) is increasing access to support and guidance for people seeking to buy and keep their homes. The GreenPath and HPF affiliation provides added efficiencies, reach and capacity to guide people to sustainable homeownership.

By sharing services and resources, GreenPath and HPF are using their human-centered focus and deep expertise in housing, consumer debt, and financial health to support millions of consumers in achieving their own version of the American dream. The affiliation has built on the outstanding legacy of HPF’s 995-HOPE Hotline, which has responded to over nine million calls from consumers needing guidance to save their homes from foreclosure.

Now, Gene Spencer has become chief executive officer for HPF, after previously serving as senior vice president of stakeholder engagement, policy, and research. Spencer joined HPF in 2010, at the height of the mortgage crisis. With decades of experience in housing policy and finance, including leadership positions at Fannie Mae, Spencer has helped guide HPF’s comprehensive foreclosure prevention services and national 995-HOPE Hotline.

Spencer also has served on the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau’s Consumer Advisory Board, where he chaired the Mortgages Committee. He also serves on the National Industry Standards Committee.

“With GreenPath and our industry partners, we can open new avenues for people who dream of owning a home, and for people who are facing adversity and want to keep their homes,” said Spencer. “As homeownership evolves from crisis to opportunity, we will address the changing needs of homeowners and new homebuyers.”

Together, GreenPath and HPF are developing new, creative solutions for people in all phases of homeownership:

• Pre-purchase counseling, so people can prepare for homeownership, ease their mortgage approval and make informed decisions before they buy a home.
• Mortgage and credit education, so people can manage budgets, make on-time payments and stay financially healthy.
• Housing counseling, for people who have trouble keeping up with their mortgage payments, and to prevent foreclosure.

“We know how to guide people to make healthy financial decisions and set up their finances to support their life dreams. With HPF, we have a unique ability to listen, test and create innovative, scalable programs,” said Kristen Holt, CEO, GreenPath Financial Wellness. “I welcome Gene to the CEO role and know that great things are ahead under his leadership.”

Holt added, “We are already working on customized programs for lenders and mortgage servicers. We believe this affiliation provides them with better access to programs that meet their customer needs.”

“HPF continues to work closely with federal agencies, GSEs, mortgage lenders and mortgage servicers to create responsive, enduring services that support homebuyers and homeowners,” said Spencer. “We’re also focusing on new methods to build resiliency in new homebuyers, to help them withstand future financial challenges.”

GreenPath Financial Wellness, a national nonprofit, has been empowering people to take charge of their financial lives for nearly 60 years. Through counseling, education, housing and debt management services, GreenPath guides people on their financial wellness journey throughout life.

HPF is a leading national resource on affordable housing, homeownership, financial stability and community development. Since 2007, HPF’s national Homeowner’s HOPE™ Hotline, 888-995-HOPE™, has guided more than nine million people to avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes.

GreenPath and HPF continue to operate as two distinct organizations, with no interruption in service. For more information, go to greenpath.org. or hpfhome.org.  See Gene Spencer’s bio here.

###

GreenPath Financial Wellness is a national nonprofit organization that provides financial counseling, education, and products to empower people to lead financially healthy lives. In working directly with individuals, and through partnerships with other organizations, GreenPath aims to remix the American dream so it works for everyone. Headquartered in Michigan, GreenPath has nearly 500 employees and operates about 65 branch offices in 22 states. GreenPath is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). For more information, visit greenpath.org.

Homeownership Preservation Foundation, also known as HPF, is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to guiding consumers onto the path of sustainable homeownership and improving their overall financial health. Their Homeowner’s HOPE™ Hotline, 888-995-HOPE™, helps homeowners avoid foreclosure. Their 844-995-HOME hotline provides coaching before people buy a home. For more information, visit hpfhome.org.

 

---