HOPE NOW, the voluntary, private sector alliance of mortgage servicers, investors, mortgage insurers and non-profit counselors, launched its podcast series targeted at military homeowners. The initiative, part of HOPE NOW's outreach to service members, allows service members to access information about housing issues related to the military.
The eight-part series is hosted by Ray Pennie, vice president of business development at Clearpoint Financial Solutions. Clearpoint is a national non-profit whose mission is “Consumer Health through Financial Education." Pennie is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and has almost three decades of experience in the banking sector working in commercial, residential lending and asset management. Guest hosts and experts include representatives from mortgage companies, non-profits and military service organizations, all of who have served in the military.
“I want to thank the HOPE NOW Alliance for yet another impactful and proactive step in addressing our veterans and active duty military concerns around homeownership retention," said Pennie. "As a U.S. Navy veteran, in addition to the work that Clearpoint does in the credit counseling space, I consider it an honor to be part of such a worthwhile project. This innovative approach will enable our service men and women to hear about relevant topics and resources from their fellow colleagues, national non-profits, government agencies, and mortgage servicers. Thank you for the opportunity to participate.”
The podcasts address a wide array of subjects and issues specific to military homeowners. The first eight podcasts in the series are available on HOPE NOW's Web site and cover subjects including mortgage challenges, short sales, VA assistance, owning a second home and investment properties. The series is also available as a free download on iTunes.
"HOPE NOW initiated a commitment to service members in 2012 when we held our first borrower outreach events on military bases across the country," said Eric Selk, executive director of HOPE NOW. "We held 10 events over a two year span and it became clear that this segment of homeowners was in need of better tools focused on financial education for active military, veterans and on base civilian employees. Earlier this year, we sat down with Clearpoint and created a plan to offer free educational resources that could be accessed easily in an engaging format. The result was a series of podcasts designed to deliver high content and answer crucial housing related questions. Most importantly, the participants in these podcasts are service members themselves who are able to relate to the audience. We are thrilled with the result and proud to offer these podcasts to the men and women who serve our armed forces."
