As we begin the county’s budgeting process, I want you to know my priorities as your county commissioner include preserving current jobs, fighting for new jobs, improved services and enhanced neighborhood revitalization. I continue to hold forums and speak to residents about current issues impacting our area including home foreclosure assistance, support for the homeless and addressing the issue of roaming pit bulls in our neighborhood. My passion continues to be focusing on uplifting and enhancing our community.

Most recently, I have been a vocal advocate for funding the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). This is a major need in Broward County and in “south county” for a coordinated assessment and triage for homeless individuals. This new system would provide housing and supportive services along with being a major crime deterrent for our law enforcement officials. I will keep you updated on the progress of my request.

Also, the county budget cycle has begun and there will be tough decisions by the entire county commission. I remain committed to ensuring NO reduction in transit services, NO layoffs and NO tax increases to our residents. The county budget will be finalized in late September and I will keep you informed of the outcome.

It is important that there are always open lines of communication between you and me. I’d also like to hear your ideas and concerns. You can call my office at 954-357-7008 or send an e-mail to bsharief@broward.org. It is a privilege to serve you! 

Barbara

If you are in foreclosure or at risk of default, contact the following:
   • Legal Aid: 850-385-7900
   • Florida Bar Attorney referral service: 800-342-8011
   • Your mortgage servicer
   • Home Affordable Modification Program: 888-995-4673

After many months of negotiation, 49 state attorneys general and the federal government have reached agreement on a historic joint state-federal settlement with the country’s five largest loan servicers:
 
 • Ally/GMAC: 800-766-4622
 • Bank of America: 877-488-7814
 • Citi: 866-272-4749
 • JP Morgan Chase: 866-372-6901 
 • Wells Fargo: 800-288-3212 

The settlement will provide as much as $25 billion in relief to distressed borrowers and direct payments to states and the federal government. 

The settlement provides assistance for:
 
 • Homeowners needing loan modifications now
 • Borrowers who are current, but underwater
 • Borrowers who lost their homes to foreclosure

For more information, please visit nationalmortgagesettlement.com or contact Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office:

Website:  myfloridalegal.com
Phone:  850-414-3300 or 866-966-7226

Florida Housing Finance Corporation was directed by the U.S. Treasury to create and administer foreclosure prevention assistance programs that address the unique issues of our state. Two programs are available: 

 • Unemployment Mortgage Assistance Program (UMAP) – Homeowners who are unemployed or underemployed can use loan funds to pay mortgage and escrowed mortgage-related expenses until the homeowner can resume payments for up to 12 months. The participating homeowner will be required to pay 25 percent of his/her monthly income toward the monthly mortgage payment.
 
 • Mortgage Loan Reinstatement Payment (MLRP) Program – Homeowners returning to work or recovering from underemployment can use loan funds as a one-time payment to bring the past-due first mortgage current.

Website:  flhardesthithelp.org 
Information Line:  877-863-5244

HMIS is a software application used to collect demographic information and service outcome information on people served. The purpose of HMIS is to record and store client-level information about the numbers, characteristics and needs of persons who use homeless housing and supportive services and about persons who receive assistance for persons at risk of homelessness over time, to produce an unduplicated count of homeless persons for each Continuum of Care (CoC); to understand the extent and nature of homelessness locally, regionally and nationally; and to understand patterns of service us and measure the effectiveness of programs. HUD requires that each CoC designate a single information system as the official HMIS software for the geographic area.

We are seeking residents with an interest in public service to represent the needs of the district. If you are interested in being considered, please forward a detailed resume to bsharief@broward.org. Be sure to include: your residency/permanent address; phone number and email address; whether you are a registered voter; whether you are a registered lobbyist; whether you serve on any other board, authority or agency (dual office holding); whether you are related to any Commissioner; and whether you have any potential conflicting business relationship.
 
The vacant boards are:

 • Animal Care Advisory Committee (1, county health department affiliation)
 • Homeless Initiative Partnership Advisory Board (1)
 • Library Advisory Board (1, registered voter)
 • Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (1)
 • Urban Wilderness Advisory Board (1, represent the sciences)