SALEM, OR -- There are a variety of resources available, designed to help Oregon veterans facing foreclosure. But, not every vet knows how to access help. A bill working through Salem aims to change that.

District 53 State Representative Jack Zika (R-Redmond) sponsored HB 2530 to provide important information to veterans, "If, for some reason, something happens and they are starting to get behind, then they get the notice of default. They [will] also get this piece of paper that says there are all these nonprofits that are willing to help, that there's help out there." Zika tells KBND News, "This is one of those that I think we'll accomplish something good with it and hopefully stop somebody that would otherwise become homeless."

Zika says there is one concern: making sure banks know whether a homeowner facing foreclosure is a veteran, especially if they didn't purchase the home with a VA loan. But he believes a secondary form could be made available to financial institutions, to make sure veterans are given that extra level of protection and assistance. 

The bill would also create a task force to receive reports on veterans housing programs, from the Oregon Department of Veteran's Affairs and the Housing and Community Services Department. Zika says it will help with the "implementation of veterans and housing programs like Operation Welcome Home, training and coordination, and identifying veterans who may become homeless."

HB 2530 passed the House unanimously on Monday, and heads to the Senate.