The citys Neighborhood Services Department is partnering with the Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Task Force to host a free foreclosure informational event from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the South Mountain Community Center, Century Room, 212 E. Alta Vista Road.

During the free event, residents affected by the current foreclosure crisis can meet face-to-face with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certified housing counselors to explore their options and receive information on employment assistance, housing options and budgeting assistance. Studies indicate that homeowners who work with a housing counselor are 68 percent more likely to achieve a positive result when attempting to obtain a modification, forbearance agreement or a change in payment plans.

Presentations also will be provided by the following organizations:

Phoenix Workforce Connection: Employment assistance, job training and resume assistance
Arizona Department of Housing: State programs available to address foreclosure options
Attorney Generals Office: scam awareness and prevention
Money Management International: budgeting assistance

Residents currently behind on their mortgage payments or facing foreclosure are encouraged to attend. Attendees meeting with a counselor are asked to bring several documents, including: monthly mortgage statement, two most recent pay stubs for all family members contributing to mortgage payment, last two years of tax returns, two most recent bank statements, the most recent quarterly profit-and-loss statement (if self-employed), documentation of income received from other sources (alimony, child support, etc.), a utility bill showing homeowner name and property address, and an unemployment insurance letter, if applicable.

No appointments are necessary and walk-ins are welcome. For more information or for free counseling services on foreclosure prevention, call 602-534-2538 or visit azforeclosureprevention.org.   back...