The program is a joint effort of Bank of America, giant mortgage investor Freddie Mac and the Self-Help Ventures Fund, an affiliate of Self-Help Credit Union, a community development lender. Starting Feb. 22, Bank of America began offering these mortgages through its network of 4,800 local ?financial centers around the country, as well as through its online and call center channels. The bank plans to sell the mortgages to Self-Help, which will provide early intervention servicing to borrowers who experience payment difficulties. Freddie Mac will ultimately purchase the loans. Self-Help will provide a financial backstop to cover default losses in lieu of traditional private mortgage insurance coverage.