The Poinciana Crane

Free Medical Care

Considering the devastating impact of the housing crisis on fellow Poincianans, everyone much pitch in in whatever way possible to help each other.  For that reason, we're compiling information to help Poinciana's children and families in our times of need.  If you're in need of medical care, consider the following source:

On the last Wednesday of each month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., you may find free medical care,just south of downtown Kissimmee on Harrelson Lane.  (See map .)  The only requirement is that you meet the definition of homelessness, which according to the federal McKinney Act is loosely defined as:

A person who lacks an adequate residence. It includes people sharing other people's homes because of loss of their own, those living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to a lack of adequate housing, and people living in cars or parks, or one of Poinciana's increasing number of abandoned homes.

Just look for the Medic Van at the end of the street on Harrelson.  It's hard to miss. To find out more or to donate your help, go HCCH Mobile.

Spring Time's Credit Report Time

Even if you've made an effort to keep those credit cards in your wallet, your credit score may be lower than it was a year ago due to changes in the credit market.   The vernal equinox (Spring time!) is an excellent time to review your report.

Since June 2005, Florida residents have been entitled to one free "personal credit report" every 12-month period.  You must pay extra for your score, but you can get the three major reports: Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union; all in one place. Order yours at AnnualCreditReport, a secure web site, or you can order yours direct from each of the three main credit bureaus. Following are the centers that serve the Poinciana area:

Doubly Dipped Sales

If you lost your home to foreclosure, listen up.  Referring to a new bill that would restore the $50,000-per-person fund to compensate victims of mortgage fraud, Terry Straub, finance director for the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, called upcoming rules before legislators “the equitable thing to do.”  If you are a victim of mortgage fraud, come back here for more information as this funding is discussed.  Keep in mind that while this funding might help, just as last year's action in Florida eliminating the licenses of 10,000 mortgage brokers, it is still not enough.  What needs to happen in Florida is the disallowance of transaction double-dipping, that is, mortgage brokers who are also real estate agents within a single property transaction.  That would ensure the elimination of mortgage fraud far more effectively than anything the state has done to date.  Read the full story.

 

Osceola Oo-la-la

On November 15, the Osceola News Gazette kicked off a web site for the Hispanic community of Osceola County!  HolaOsceola.com offers Poinciana residents a meeting place for instantaneous distribution of information.  Anyone may register and post event information, business news, personal celebrations, school news, and free classified ads.  It was kicked off with tremendous local support including the following sponsors:

• Association of Poinciana Villages

• Poinciana Home Network. Email: Home@PoincianaHome.net. Direct: (407) 738-8042. PoincianaHome.net. Local foreclosures.  Real estate in Kissimmee.  Agent: Darhlene Zeanwick

Need Feed?

Considering the devastating impact of the housing crisis on each of our neighbors, everyone much pitch-in.  For that reason, we've compiling information for residents of Poinciana, our children and our families in this time of need. 

If you're in need of food, consider the following area sources:

Mozy on Backups

Mozy is the home computer's answer to seamless data backup.  For a limited time, get 2 GB of backup space absolutely free.  No setup fee, no credit cards, no expiration, no hassle.  Click the link here and Mozy will know we sent ja!

Green Top 10

Former CEO of General Nutrition Centers (GNC), Greg Horn says that you can make small changes to have great impact on our planet.  His top ten include:

1. Eat Organic

2. Go Carbon Zero

3. Recycle

Osceola 4 Homeowners

The Osceola County human services department has a new program that is designed to assist residents behind on mortgage payments. It's called the Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program.  Apply online now.

Help 4 Homeless

Rental assistance is available to any U.S. citizen who lives in Florida.  If you are in need of help go to the Department of Children & Families Office on Homelessness.  You can write to them at: PDHO, 1317 Winewood Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 23299-0700, or call them toll-free at (877) 891-6445.

Free Legal Aid

A program offered by the Florida Bar and Florida Legal Services Florida provides access to a lawyer and free legal advice for homeowners troubled with financial issues.  To take advantage of this free program call, toll-free – (866) 607-2187 - or take advantage of their new, online Intake Form.

Fill out the form on-line to bypass the toll-free hot line available.  If you opt to call the hot line, note their office hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.  They also take up to ten days to respond to intakes.

You’ll be asked a few initial questions about your situation to ensure an accurate placement, and then you’ll be sent to a free attorney. The attorney will then negotiate with the lender on your behalf to help keep your home from foreclosure.

More than 10,000 Florida attorneys have volunteered their services in the program, according to Florida Legal Services Inc.  They volunteered under the the Florida Attorneys Saving Homes program.

Other legal aid services for Florida homeowners include:

• Greater Orlando Area Legal Services
• Pro Bono Legal Assistance to the Poor

Hurricane Season Not Over !

As Hurricane Ike reminds everyone, be prepared, always. Here in Florida, there are two web sites you may want to bookmark to protect your home or business. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation Web site includes a database of all insurers.  

Similarly, Citizens Property Insurance, Floridians' insurer of last resort, has its own web site.  If you need to report a claim on your Citizens policy, call (866) 411-2742.

Debt is not a Crime

Debt is not a crime. That's why there are laws against debt collectors who harass.  If you're feeling intimidated, checkup on the rules.  The Fair Debt Collection Practice Actis a federal law. It applies to debt collection companies which are hired by the lenders.  This law allows debtors to go to court if there is violation to any term of the law.

SPCA Seeking Pet Foster Homes

According to The Abuse of Animals and Domestic Violence (1), one in five women involved in domestic violence situations are afraid to leave their homes for fear that the abuser will harm the family pet.  That's why the SPCA created its Safe Haven Home Program.

Safe Haven is a program designed to help victims of domestic violence find safety for their pets. The program is now in need of foster homes. The SPCA is looking for individuals in the community to open their hearts and homes for the pets of the abused.

This would be on a temporary and anonymous basis. Identity of homes would only be known to a handful of people on staff at the SPCA. For questions about the Safe Haven Home Program, contact Mandy Maxwell, Community Outreach Coordinator, at mandy@lovemyspca.com or 863.646.7722.

1) Ascione, Weber & Wood.

FHA Lends for Home Repair

The state of the housing market has left many homeowners trapped with homes that no longer suit their needs. With negative home equity gaining ground these days, it is also impossible for many of these same homeowners to "move up." An under-utilized, government-insured loan may be the antidote.

An FHA loan established in 1996 known as a 203k rehab loan can help homeowners redo their existing home or even help interested home buyers buy a fixer-upper and rehab it without having to take out a second loan.

KidCare Opens to All

Charlie Crist and the Florida legislature this year approved more funding for Florida KidCare, which will enable 38,000 more uninsured children to join the federally subsidized program and obtain healthcare coverage. The program is open to all families regardless of income.

Officials note that the program is free for those eligible for Medicaid. Monthly premiums depend on your household's size and income. Most families pay $15 or $20 a month. If you need to pay more, Florida KidCare will let you know.

More than 1.4 million children are enrolled in Florida KidCare, which gives them access to preventive care such as regular doctor visits, immunizations, dental check-ups and prescriptions. For more information or to apply for Florida KidCare, go to www.floridakidcare.org. You can also call 1-888-540-5437 to receive an application by mail.

Free Massages

If your looking for a pleasant way to relieve the stress, consider a free massages from an Everest University student.  All you need to do is call Candice Morris at (407) 851-2525 to schedule and appointement.  Treatment is provided in the south Orlando area at 9200 Southpark Center Loop, which is near John Young and Sandlake.

Summer-Only Health Care

HelpNow, one of Osceola's greatest secret has a program that might help if you're suffering from housing crisis stress.  During the summer, they're offering a free licensed psychologist.  If that's not your bag, they're also offering free medical care for those without insurance.  Registration with HelpNow may be required to obtain services.  Call 407-847-3286 for more information.

REstore with Habitat

Here's a way to fix-up your home at a fraction of the cost of other appliance outlets, and you can do it while helping Kissimmee's Habitat for Humanity.  Go to the REStore.

 

RE stands for “restore." For more information, check out the REStore web site.  They are located on Main Street, near downtown Kissimmee near Appliance Direct.  They're only open on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan ahead.

Be Safe this Hurricane Season

If you would still like a free hurricane home inspection -- courtesy of the State of Florida -- sign up now!  Most homeowners save money on property insurance following an inspection, but the program will achieve its goals and probably stop taking new applications soon ...read more...