MichiganRadio

Looking For Help With A Mortgage, But Getting A Busy Signal ANN ARBOR, MI (Michigan Radio) -

The telephones have been ringing off the hook at the state housing development office. Today was the first day homeowners could apply for mortgage relief through a federal grant.

You likely heard a busy signal if you tried calling the Michigan State Housing Development Authority on the first day it was taking applications for the federal Hardest Hit program. The program helps homeowners who've lost their job and others who can't afford their mortgage. But it's a helping hand that's on a first come-first serve basis.

Mary Townley is with the state housing authority. She says it's important for at-risk homeowners and lenders to apply quickly for the mortgage relief, though it may be a while before the whole $154 million allocated to Michigan is completely doled out.

"I'm forecasting that we will probably draw all the funds for this in the next 12 months," says Townley.

The state plans to bring on more people to answer phones and respond to online questions about the program. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio