Free foreclosure counseling offered to assist homeowners

In 2010 foreclosure filings in Southeastern Michigan skyrocketed with 110,187 filings from January to October 2010, representing a 147 percent increase from 2009 according to Realtytrac.com. Yet less than half of homeowners sought foreclosure prevention assistance. In an effort to assist homeowners facing foreclosure, the Southeast Michigan Regional Foreclosure Intervention and Neighborhood Stabilization Collaborative is offering homeowners in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties free counseling services and an opportunity to meet with their lenders to work out an agreement. The collaborative, comprised of 60 nonprofits, public and private organizations, and government agencies in Southeast Michigan is coordinated by the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Phone-A-Thon, Friday, Feb. 11 From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 11, homeowners may call 800-689-1281 to speak with a financial counselor and also register for free foreclosure prevention assistance. Callers will be given complete information regarding what documents to bring for the meeting with a financial counselor and their lender on Feb. 18. Homeowner Counseling and Lender Meeting, Friday, Feb. 18 From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb 18, at the Masonic Temple, 500 Temple Ave. in Detroit, financial counselors will be on-site to assist homeowners with their foreclosure issues. Many homeowners will also have the opportunity to meet with their lender to try and work out an agreement. Participating lenders include Bank of America, Chase, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, GMAC, Litton Loan, PNC, Ocwen, Sun Trust, Wells Fargo, Flagstar, and Saxon. Homeowners are encouraged to bring their last three pay stubs, last year's tax returns and W-2s, last two bank statements, documentation of any other income, proof of property taxes paid, proof of homeowners insurance paid, and proof of hardship (ie. unemployment, divorce, income reduction, and photo ID. "It is vital that we reach out to the thousands of homeowners facing foreclosure in our region and connect them with the help they need," said Dona Syes Ponepinto with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. "Through this regional event, we are able to bring homeowners in direct contact with lenders and counselors to work toward a resolution. This is a critical step toward reversing the tide of mortgage foreclosure that has had a devastating impact on our residents, neighborhoods, and communities." The Southeast Michigan Regional Foreclosure Intervention and Neighborhood Stabilization Collaborative is comprised of 60 non-profits, public and private organizations and government agencies from Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Washtenaw counties. United Way for Southeastern Michigan is the convener and coordinator for the Collaborative which is executing a comprehensive plan that addresses the depth and breadth of the foreclosure crisis. For more information visit: www.fightmortgageforeclosurefinsc.com Published: Thu, Feb 10, 2011