by David Chapman
Staff Writer
It’s been a whirlwind year for everyone involved in Project House-Hold, but Tuesday the attorneys, staff, City officials and even clients who benefitted from the foreclosure defense office had a chance to look back and reflect upon the good that came from that hectic year.
A satellite office of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid devoted solely to foreclosure defense, Project House-Hold was established at the Ribault Family Resource Center located in the heart of some of the hardest hit foreclosed zip codes in the region. It’s been staffed by JALA attorneys Allison Albert and James Millard, who’ve since helped hundreds of area homeowners through legal advice, counseling and litigation on foreclosure issues.
“It’s a milestone,” said Millard, reflecting on the year and the ceremony’s turnout. “It really highlights what we’ve been able to accomplish in a year in helping people here.”
One of the office’s biggest proponents, City Council member Glorious Johnson, attended and recalled the concerns of her constituents facing foreclosure problems and pleas for assistance.
“They came to me and said ‘Ms. Johnson we need help, we’re losing our homes,’” she said. “I just went to (now City Council Vice President) Jack (Webb) and told him we’ve got to help them.”
Both Johnson and Webb helped secure a $184,840 grant from the City for the office’s funding, while The Community Foundation supplied $30,000 toward the hiring of the two full-time attorneys.
The result has been tangible results, as the two have taken more than a thousand calls and e-mails while litigating dozens of cases. Ninety-seven percent of those who sought assistance from the office, received help in some form, said officials, but like the homeowners facing an uphill battle against the widespread crisis, Project House-Hold itself is facing some uncertainty.
The program was fully contracted and funded through Oct. 1 — the start of the current financial year — but long-term funding from the City hasn’t been secured.
JALA Executive Director Michael Figgins likens the situation to a household water faucet.
“The people are thirsty for the service, but the faucet is off,” said Figgins, regarding funding. “We’re trying to get it restored and get the service back to the community.”
Figgins said he hasn’t been surprised by the success of the office, as the need for the area was real. He continues to work with and be in constant contact with City officials to secure funding for the year and beyond, but said there needs to at least be funding assurances within a month to continue the services.
Figgins has an ally and advocate in Johnson, who said she’s seen and heard firsthand accounts of the results of the office and will continue to push for House-Hold’s funding. She said she was working on a bill that would take $200,000 from the City’s general fund for the project, but her efforts were delayed with the recent extensive budget process.
With the budget in the books, Johnson said the program is something she’ll remain aggressive with her fellow Council members.
“We’re going to have to help because its done so much good and has helped so many,” she said. “Oh, yes, it’s going to live.”
For one day, though, it was a welcome moment to celebrate the occasion, progress and many relationships made with the community.
“It’s nice to see the turnout and see some of the people you’ve helped,” said Albert. “We’ve (Albert and Millard) learned a lot (over the year) and really feel like part of this neighborhood.”
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