For Immediate Release

Contact
Larry Dansinger, 525-7776 (Thursday)
Jaime McIntosh, 607-280-0813 (Friday AM)

FORECLOSED HOMEOWNER FIGHTS TO STAY

Searsmont resident Barbara McIntosh, whose home had been taken in foreclosure in 2008, will have her day in District Court in Belfast on Friday, May 1 at 9:45 AM. Ms. McIntosh, who was within hours of being evicted from her home of over 15 years, has submitted a request to postpone a Writ of Possession by the property's owner, Aurora Loan Services, for at least 30 days. Judge Patricia Worth will hear the case. A media briefing about the case and her situation will be held in front of the District Court in Belfast at the corner of Church and Spring Streets at 9 AM.

Ms. McIntosh has serious health problems, including a very bad back, osteoarthritis, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), which are environmental allergies. The MCS makes it especially hard for her to find another permanent place to live, since most dwellings have chemicals in them that would make her seriously ill. Her only current alternative is to live in her truck, which could cause her health to deteriorate even more.

Because of her environmental allergies, Barbara McIntosh may not be able to present her own case, since the chemicals in the courthouse may prevent her from being in the building. She is hoping the proceedings can be moved to a safer venue or that her daughter, Jaime McIntosh, can present her case.

Jaime McIntosh and two other supporters, Dawn Marie Clark and Nancy Galland, also met with Waldo County Sheriff Scott Story on Wednesday, April 29th, urging him to follow the lead of other sheriffs around the country who have stopped evictions of those who have lost their homes to foreclosure. While Story appeared sympathetic, he made no commitments to McIntosh supporters at the meeting. But Barbara McIntosh and her supporters believe that no one who has been foreclosed on should lose their homes and hope the sheriff will support that position.

An added factor in the case is L.D. 1418, a bill in the Maine legislature requiring mediation in all foreclosure cases. On Friday, Barbara McIntosh may request a postponement of any eviction until the legislature takes action on the bill, which could allow her case to go to mediation.

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// posted by Arun @ 11:02 AM