The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is trying to get the word out- so why is no one listening?

Pontiac— The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is turning to the faith community in an attempt to reach a broader range of people with its tax delinquency relief program.

“When people are facing foreclosure, they turn to their faith leaders for help and guidance,” Mary Townley, director of home ownership with the state housing authority, said during a news conference Thursday announcing the initiative.

The tax foreclosure prevention program would pay households that owe up to $30,000 in delinquent taxes, interest, condominium dues and fees. It is administered by the state authority under the name “A Step Forward Michigan Loan Rescue Program.” The funds are available for the next 12-18 months.

Funding comes from the federal “Hardest Hit” foreclosure relief program, which allotted Michigan $498 million in 2010.

With Townley to announce the partnership were state Rep. Tim Greimel, D-Auburn Hills, Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner and church leaders.

“This is money on the table, and the clock is ticking,” Meisner said. “As long as there’s anybody out there facing foreclosure, there’s no reason for us not to hook them up with MSHDA.”

Meisner said Oakland County families have received $1.4 million in funding and an additional $522,000 is slated for other families in the county. Meisner has been promoting the program, open to all Michigan residents, and is offering county residents the chance to meet with housing counselors.

In 2012, Oakland County saw 1,684 tax foreclosures, he said. This year, the number is projected to be closer to 1,100.

“Many times in the church, we’ve seen money woes can affect marriages, neighborhoods and how you perform at work,” said Elder Tony Jones with Redeem Christian Center in Pontiac. “That’s why it’s vital that those of us who consider ourselves spiritual individuals, men and women of God, that we step in and lend a helping hand.”