Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

“We know it is something our counties need,” said Patty Jackson, program manager and certified intervention specialist for the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network. Jackson, along with Mary McCarty, Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission, work with homeowners who have missed mortgage payments, to keep their homes.

The Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network started in October, 2007 to provide Hoosiers with access to free, unbiased information and counseling. The homeowner calls 1-877-Get-Hope, to speak with a counselor from Momentive Consumer Counseling Service. When possible, the counselor will help on the phone. For more extensive assistance, the counselor will refer the homeowner to an intervention specialist. According to Jackson, the callers from this area will be referred to her office in the Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission.

Jackson stated that she or McCarty will work with the homeowner to make a budget and prepare a hardship package. Then they will contact the company that holds the mortgage to create a workout plan. “It’s an effort on both parties involved,” said Jackson.

There is no income limit for this program, according to Jackson. It is free to any homeowner in the State of Indiana who is behind on their mortgage. Jackson stated that it is best to get help within the first three months of missing a payment. “People don’t realize the workout plans that are available,” said Jackson.

Jackson stated that her office serves eight counties: Ripley, Jefferson, Jennings, Switzerland, Dearborn, Decatur, Franklin, and Ohio. In fact, her office has already been able to help several homeowners in this area.

For more information on this confidential service, or to speak with a counselor, contact: 1-877-Get-Hope 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Or visit www.877GetHope.org to apply online.