Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras, in partnership with the Loan Modification Scam Alert campaign, will host a free mortgage foreclosure prevention and loan modification workshop on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Roger Williams Park Casino in Providence.
The event is free and open to the public. The goal of the workshop is to provide information and assistance to homeowners who may be in jeopardy of going into foreclosure, homeowners currently in foreclosure, and anyone who is interested in learning more about the National Mortgage Foreclosure Settlement to see if they are eligible for any of the relief programs.
In addition, the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Unit will be available to assist anyone who has been a victim of a mortgage modification scam.
"Rhode Island is still reeling from the nationwide housing crisis, with many homeowners struggling to stay in their homes," said Attorney General Kilmartin. "This workshop brings together the many local, state and federal resources and assistance programs that are available to homeowners. It will also serve as an opportunity to learn more about the national mortgage foreclosure settlement and how to protect against those who illegally make false promises of mortgage modification relief."
"I've worked hard as Mayor to address the impacts of the national foreclosure crisis that is crushing hope and opportunity for too many in our community," said Mayor Taveras. "This workshop is a great opportunity for homeowners who are in fiscal crisis or at risk of foreclosure to learn how to protect themselves against mortgage modification scams and connect with resources that are available to assist them."
On hand to assist homeowners will be HUD-certified counselors, mortgage service providers, Rhode Island Housing, Housing Network of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Legal Services, the West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation, Blackstone Community Action Program, and many other federal, state and local assistance agencies. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about possible mortgage modification programs, and to assist homeowners, when appropriate, in starting the process of seeking relief.
Chris Hannifan, Executive Director of the Housing Network of Rhode Island commented, "Events like this with the Housing Network and members on hand that work in Rhode Island communities and understand what Rhode Islanders are facing and the kinds of scam artist out there just trying to victimize them. We thank the Attorney General and the Mayor for sponsoring this event."
Pre registration is not required. To learn more about the Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention and Loan Modification Workshop, please visit www.riag.ri.gov. Spanish speaking representatives will be available.