Help available for those struggling with mortgage payments

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February 20, 2012

E Group trying to give relief to struggling homeowners

Anonymous Press-Republican The Press Republican Mon Feb 20, 2012, 02:28 AM EST

KEESEVILLE — Friends of the North Country is offering assistance to people having trouble making mortgage payments.

The organization has received additional funding through a partnership with the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York and the Office of Community Renewal to help struggling homeowners get mortgage relief.

Friends is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-certified counseling agency.

The Keeseville-based organization is urging homeowners at risk of foreclosure to call for help to avoid losing their biggest investment.

Counselors screen applicants for Making Home Affordable, an Obama Administration initiative that helps struggling homeowners get mortgage relief through programs that aid in mortgage modifications, interest-rate reductions, refinancing, deferred payment or transitioning out of a home while avoiding foreclosure.

Many borrowers may be hesitant to call their bank because of embarrassment, fear or lack of trust, said a news release from Friends of the North Country.

Working with a counselor may help alleviate this anxiety because the organization has the ability to serve as mediator between the borrower and lender.

For more information about avoiding foreclosure, call (888) 355-3662, visit friendsofthenorthcountry.org.