Friday, May 30, 2008

Governor Napolitano Has Launched A Toll-Free Mortgage/Foreclosure Help Line

Governor Janet Napolitano announced the latest effort in a series of state initiatives to better serve Arizona families facing foreclosure. Homeowners who are either delinquent on their mortgage or face foreclosure now have a new, dedicated 24/7 toll-free help line to reach a local Arizona foreclosure counselor: 1-877-448-1211.

"In response to a problem that is increasingly affecting so many Arizona families we are launching this new toll free number in an effort to urge homeowners to not delay – to call today,” said Governor Janet Napolitano. “Troubled Arizona homeowners now have a phone number that will connect them to specialized services right here in Arizona . We urge anyone who may be at risk of foreclosure to call a local foreclosure counselor today.”

The Arizona foreclosure help line, made available through a $1.3 million federal grant, will be a vital link between families facing a housing crisis & access to free foreclosure counseling appointments. The Arizona Department of Housing is contracting with Community Information & Referral Services to staff the call center which will connect homeowners to a local, certified foreclosure counselor.

Other state efforts to address the mortgage foreclosure crisis in Arizona include:

* Expanding the Arizona Department of Housing’s Eviction & Foreclosure Prevention program (from $2.75 million to $4.2 million) & providing an additional $500,000 to support additional outreach in highly-impacted areas.
* Additional foreclosure counselors being trained across the state.
* Foreclosure Prevention Workshops for at-risk homeowners throughout Arizona.
* Leadership in the Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, which brings together 200 organizations, lenders, community leaders & government representatives to coordinate outreach & education efforts to assist homeowners facing foreclosure.