We don’t like to talk about it, but foreclosure is an issue that affects entire communities. In 2006, more than a million families in America lost their homes to foreclosure. For many of them, it didn’t have to happen.

 

Affordable housing is one of the first steps, but having programs in place to help prevent foreclosure completes the positive community process. That’s where the Consumer Credit Counseling Service comes into play. It has joined forces with several financial institutions and some of our top elected officials to help thousands of residents at risk of foreclosure.

 

CCCS counselors are answering the phones at a new hotline that became active last year. The hotline is helping many families stay in their homes. The toll free number is 1- 888 – 995 – HOPE or 1 – 888 – 995 – 4673. The service is free, trustworthy and confidential. The number is available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week to residents of DeKalb County (and the nation) who are struggling with mortgage issues.

 

CCCS says incoming calls indicate the top reasons people lose their homes are due to adjustable rate mortgages that have reset, lost jobs and health crises.  But, the hotline is helping many callers learn about options they may not have considered.

 

It’s important to note: The mortgage company does NOT want your home. If you’re having difficulty making payments, don’t be afraid to also call your lender. Mortgage companies want to work with homeowners and will often set up a new payment plan. 

 

Another way to get help is to go online to the CCCS Web site (see link below) or to the Home Ownership Preservation Foundation Web site (also linked below). At both of those sites, you can receive education and instant online counseling. So, if you or someone you know is having trouble making the monthly mortgage payments, make the call. . . 1 – 888 – 995 - HOPE.

 

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