Maryville, PA — Martha Bergoinist has a roof over her head, but doesn’t have a floor under her feet. Through a new government program, and backing from the Federal TARP fund, her bank was able to execute a "Partial Foreclosure" on Ms. Bergoinist in which only a portion of her home was taken from her.

"They came in on Thursday with a warrant and by Friday, my carpet and wood flooring was gone," says Ms. Bergoinist, the shock still clear on her face.

"This program allows us to walk a fine line," said Voordec Hightower, the Regional Manager for her bank. "We can’t let people get away with not paying their mortgages. It’s sets the wrong example. But, the government wants people to stay in their houses. They need to get re-elected."

Hightower explained that his bank received compensation from Federal TARP funds representing only a fraction of the value of Ms. Bergoinist’s home. "They give us a fraction of what we’re due, and we take about that much house from the loan holder," he explains. In the case of Ms. Bergoinist, that "fraction" included her carpet, wood flooring, a microwave oven and the shelving in her pantry.

"You never know how important shelving is until it’s gone," Ms. Bergoinist lamented. Mr. Hightower said that he was not at liberty to discuss the formula that was used to determine which of Ms. Bergoinist’s belongings were taken. "It’s confidential," he said.

For her part, Ms. Bergoinist is glad to still be in her house. "I still have a house to come home to and the politicians who thought up this idea will probably get re-elected. It’s win-win," she declared.