- Encourage conversation - Make it "ok" to talk about this crisis
- Urge people to get help early
- Use reputable resources to avoid the scams
- Explain that there are some options even though they may not be evident
Download information that you can use to talk with someone struggling to stay in their home.
Foreclosure Resources:
The National HOPE Hotline, a program of the Homeownership Preservation Foundation, can be reached by calling 1-888-995-HOPE or by visiting their website at www.995hope.org. Homeowners can receive phone counseling or on-line counseling. Avoid foreclosure scams; mortgage counseling should always be free. If more assistance is needed, the counselors of Hope Now will refer the caller to a local, credible housing counselor.
www.makinghomeaffordable.gov - Visit this website for information on new federal homeowner refinancing programs. People may qualify for help even if they have not yet missed a mortgage payment, but have experienced a reduction in income or home value. This is a government website with information and a self-assessment tool that will help you learn if you qualify for refinancing.
The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development also has information about how to avoid foreclosure, including information about local resources for legal assistance.
Arm yourself with information about loan modification scams by visiting www.loanscamalert.org.
