Know Your Mortgage Options

May 20, 2020

Catholic Charities Financial and Housing Counseling Program Helps Homeowners Affected by the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a serious challenge for many Minnesota homeowners who are experiencing a loss of income. If you’re among those financially impacted by the pandemic, you might be concerned about how to pay your mortgage.

It’s important that homeowners know all the facts before taking any action related to their homeownership, and Catholic Charities Financial and Housing Counseling program and HUD-certified counselors are available to help navigate the process.

The Minnesota Homeownership Center provides leadership and coordination to the Homeownership Advisors Network, a statewide network of nearly 40 public, private and nonprofit organizations offering free, nonbiased and confidential advising tailored to the specific circumstances of each individual they serve. Catholic Charities Financial and Housing Counseling program is a member of the Homeownership Advisors Network.

According to Julie Gugin, Minnesota Homeownership Center president, mortgage companies are more prepared today to work with homeowners to avoid default than they were during the 2008–2009 foreclosure crisis. “But consumers need to act,” she warns. “Acting early is always important, before you are even thinking about missing a payment. Mortgage relief, or forbearance as it’s often referred to, is not automatic, and it’s not ‘forgiveness’ either.” The Minnesota Homeownership Center recently provided the following guidance on its Welcome Home blog.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency recently announced that all mortgage loans owned by Federal Home Loan Banks (for example, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, etc.) will offer temporary relief to those impacted by the coronavirus whose ability to pay their mortgage is impacted. These individuals will be eligible to temporarily delay making their monthly mortgage payments. During this delay there will be no late fees incurred; delinquencies will not be reported to credit bureaus; and foreclosure and other legal proceedings will be suspended.

In addition to the loans covered above, most if not all consumer-facing financial institutions also are offering relief, including mortgage relief where applicable, to consumers affected by the coronavirus. Contact your lender to learn more.

In order to take advantage of any of these relief provisions, consumers must reach out to their lenders to discuss their situation and enroll in these special programs. Missing a mortgage payment without reaching out to your lender will not automatically enroll you. Checking the lender’s website first may be helpful as some have more self-serve functionality available than others.

These temporary relief programs are just that—temporary relief. They should be utilized only when you are at risk of defaulting on your mortgage. Any payments delayed will still need to be made eventually, likely with interest. When speaking with your lender, make sure you understand specifics like this, keeping in mind that additional government relief to consumers as well as to banks may further impact things to the positive down the road.

Protect yourself from scams and scare tactics. Never pay for mortgage relief. Scammers and flippers are working overtime during this period of uncertainty and anxiety. Here’s some helpful information on avoiding scams from the Federal Trade Commission. For trusted information and advice, seek the expertise of a Homeownership Advisor by calling 320-650-1664 to speak with one of Catholic Charities Financial and Housing Counseling program counselors. These services are free and deliverable via phone.

The bottom line for homeowners is that banks are expecting many consumers, through no fault of their own, to understandably have trouble in the short term keeping current on their mortgages. While it is imperative that consumers reach out to their lender and discuss their situation, the banks are poised to assist you during this difficult time.

Approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Catholic Charities Financial and Housing Counseling program can help homeowners contact the mortgage company to get back on track if fallen behind on mortgage payments. Our counselors are experts in foreclosure prevention and will work to create an action plan for successful homeownership. Learn more about Catholic Charities Financial and Housing Counseling program at ccstcloud.org/services/financial-counseling or call 320-650-1664 to speak with a counselor today.

About the Minnesota Homeownership Center

The Minnesota Homeownership Center empowers smart homeownership choices through education, research and partnerships grounded in the belief that sustainable homeownership has an essential role to play in fostering diverse, vibrant communities statewide. Learn more at hocmn.org.

About Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is a nonprofit organization that works to build communities, promote family life and enhance human dignity by providing quality services to meet the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals and families of all faiths and beliefs. Learn more at ccstcloud.org.

Our Recent News

Family Volunteers Bring Hope to Our Community

By Brittany Hoversten • June 16, 2026
At Catholic Charities, we are blessed to witness moments that reveal the true spirit of community. During a recent visit to our St. Cloud Senior Dining program, our team saw one of those moments firsthand. Grandpa Ray and his grandson, Noah, were preparing to deliver meals—a routine that has become a treasured family tradition. Ray often brings all three of his grandsons, turning service into something that strengthens their bond while uplifting others. Our Senior Dining Coordinator, Kim, shared that Ray and his grandkids have become a bright spot for many of the neighbors we serve. For those receiving meals, it’s not just about nutrition. It’s the warmth of a familiar smile, the energy of young people at the door, and the reminder that they are seen and cared for. This simple act of delivering meals shows the power of serving together—building community, connection, and hope one doorstep at a time. We depend on volunteers like Ray—and like you—to bring compassion to our neighbors. If you feel called to serve, explore our volunteer opportunities, including meal delivery and family volunteering. Your kindness could be the moment someone looks forward to each day. Make an impact and volunteer with us!

Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month: Spotlight on Jennifer Lieser Eschmann, MSW, LGSW

By Brittany Hoversten • May 26, 2026
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to honor the courage it takes to seek support, the resilience people carry within them, and the professionals who walk alongside individuals on their healing journeys. At Granite City Counseling—a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud—Jennifer Lieser Eschmann, MSW, LGSW, embodies that mission every day. Jenny’s path into mental health care began long before she earned her graduate degree. With 20 years of social work experience, she had already spent much of her life serving diverse communities and supporting individuals through life challenges. She graduated from Saint Benedict/Saint John’s in 2004, later pursuing her Master of Social Work to deepen her ability to support others. As part of her MSW training at St. Cloud State University, Jenny completed an internship at the St. Cloud Veterans Administration, gaining meaningful experience supporting veterans and their families. She also worked in higher education, promoting mental health initiatives, and helping students access the care they needed. Before her graduate studies, she served for many years as a Licensed Social Worker, working with a wide range of populations. These experiences shaped her, strengthened her, and gave her a broad, compassionate understanding of the people she serves today. A Person-Centered, Strength-Based Approach Jenny’s practice is grounded in person-centered care and a deep belief that every individual carries strength worth recognizing and nurturing. She incorporates: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Motivational Interviewing with a focus on the Stages of Change Mindfulness techniques A strong emphasis on self-care and resilience She specializes in supporting individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief and loss, stress, and challenges related to self-esteem and confidence. Helping people recognize their own strengths and potential isn’t just part of her job—it’s her passion. At Granite City Counseling, she works with individuals from many backgrounds, offering a safe, secure, and welcoming space where clients can share openly—often from deeply vulnerable places. She sees this as a privilege, not a task. Jenny wants future clients to know that they are not just a number. At Granite City Counseling, care is personal, intentional, and rooted in genuine compassion. Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending time with her friends and family—especially cheering on her daughter at sporting events. She loves finding great bargains and looks forward to new travel adventures whenever she can. A Message for Anyone Who Is Struggling If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, Jenny wants you to reach out. Support is here, and healing is possible. Visit https://www.granitecitycounseling.com/ or call 320‑650‑1550. You deserve care, connection, and a place to feel heard.

Kicking Hunger Together: Catholic Charities Joins the 17th Annual Open Your Heart Summer Challenge

By Brittany Hoversten • May 26, 2026
Every July, something powerful happens across Minnesota. Communities come together, neighbors support neighbors, and food shelves receive a boost exactly when they need it most. This year, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud is once again proud to join the 17th Annual Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Summer Challenge—a statewide effort to strengthen food access during the summer months, when demand on food shelves rises. When school lets out for the summer, thousands of Minnesota children lose access to reliable meals. At the same time, donations to food shelves typically drop. This creates a seasonal gap that leaves many families struggling to put food on the table. The Summer Challenge helps bridge that gap. Through this initiative, participating food shelves—including Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf—receive a proportional matching grant based on the funds raised throughout July. That means every gift made this month goes even further, helping us serve more families across Central Minnesota. Last year, Minnesota food shelves reported more than 9 million visits, the highest number ever recorded. Rising food costs and ongoing economic instability continue to push families toward emergency food support at unprecedented levels. As one of the largest providers of emergency food assistance in Central Minnesota, Catholic Charities sees this need every day. In 2025 alone, 83 food shelves across the state participated in the Summer Challenge, raising $2.4 million to keep shelves stocked. Grants awarded ranged from $150 to $4,000, depending on each organization’s fundraising totals. This year’s theme—Kicking Hunger Together—aligns with the excitement of the World Cup, reminding us that teamwork, unity, and community spirit can make a real difference. Local Impact: How Your Support Helps Here in Central Minnesota, Catholic Charities Food Shelf continues to experience record demand. Participation in the Summer Challenge strengthens our ability to meet this need and ensures families have reliable access to nutritious food all summer long. Every donation helps us: - Keep shelves stocked with healthy, essential foods - Support families facing unexpected hardship - Ensure children have access to meals during summer break - Respond quickly to rising demand in our community Throughout July, your support has double the impact thanks to the Open Your Heart Summer Challenge. Whether you give online, host a food drive, or help spread the word, you’re part of a statewide team working to ensure no Minnesotan goes hungry. Make a gift now at https://wgv.to/catholic-charities-of-the-diocese-of-st-cloud