The United States Senate passed legislation to pull homeowners out of the ongoing foreclosure fight with some unexpected fortuity; up to $300 billion in loans for troubled homeowners.

"It is a step and I hope an expected important step towards putting our nation on the road to economic recovery," said Sen. Chris Dodd (D) Connecticut.

Community leaders say Lansing is in dire need of the new legislation to keep foreclosure out of the future for Mid-Michigan families.

"I was glad to see congress begin to take action on this, we need federal help, the reality of this type of thing will overwhelm the resources of any community," said Lansing mayor Virg Bernero.

" I think it's fantastic, I think that we definitely need more direct funding, and more of an ability to directly help people," said Tiffany Lemieux-McKissic of the Greater Lansing Housing Coalition.

According to RealtyTrac Inc. the Lansing region has seen a 43 percent increase in foreclosures compared to last year; the Greater Lansing Housing Coalition says foreclosure outreach needs have increased, but funding has not.

"You know, we have the counseling, but a lot of times the funding isn't available to give to people if it's too late in the foreclosure process, so I think that that's excellent news," Lemieux-McKissic said.

"With this foreclosure crisis, it is at a level that we've never seen; that we've never experienced. It is impacted our community in a big way, it impacts police service, it impacts code enforcement, it impacts so much of city government," Bernero said.

That's why city officials say the housing boost isn't just a bill, but a beacon of hope for homeowners.