Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin will join Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, mortgage service providers, HUD-certified housing counselors and several community housing groups, in partnership with the Loan Modification Scam Alert campaign, to host a free mortgage foreclosure prevention and loan modification scam awareness workshop on Saturday, June 15, 2013, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick.
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 who are currently in foreclosure, and anyone who is interested in learning about housing assistance programs and counseling services.
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.
"While the housing market has started to show some signs of recovery in Rhode Island, there are still too many homeowners struggling to stay in their homes," said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin. "Many homeowners, overwhelmed with the prospect of losing their home, don't know where to turn for help. 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 how to protect against those who illegally make false promises of mortgage modification relief."
"Strong, vibrant neighborhoods are a vital part of the fabric of any community, and ensuring that our citizens have a safe place to call home has been one of our core missions," Avedisian said. "This workshop will give people in crisis the resources and information the need that will, hopefully, allow them to remain in their homes. Knowing there is help available may also relieve some of the worry and anxiety that these situations cause. I thank the Attorney General and the many agencies who will be taking part in the workshop for their efforts."
On hand to assist homeowners will be HUD-certified counseling agencies including Rhode Island Housing, Housing Network of Rhode Island, West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation, Money Management International, and NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley, as well as Rhode Island Legal Services. In addition, representatives from Bank of America, Chase, Ocwen and Wells Fargo will be in attendance to answer questions and provide information about possible mortgage modification programs, and to assist homeowners, when appropriate, in starting the process of seeking mortgage relief.
Pre registration is not required. To learn more about the Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention and Loan Modification Workshop, please visit www.riag.ri.gov or call the Consumer Protection Unit at 401-274-4400 ext. 2397. Spanish speaking representatives will be available.