FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Mike McGeehan D-Philadelphia www.pahouse.com/mcgeehan

McGeehan brings in mortgage foreclosure experts to counsel residents 

HARRISBURG, Oct. 3 – Residents of the 173^rd Legislative District had an opportunity Thursday to get first-hand advice from organizations with expertise in helping people navigate the process of saving their homes from foreclosure.

The session at the Holmesburg Recreation Center was sponsored by state Rep. Mike McGeehan, D-Phila., to make mortgage foreclosure mitigation information available to homeowners who need it most during these difficult financial times. McGeehan was able to assemble representatives from state and city agencies that provide advice on specific programs, including credit counseling, protection from fraudulent deeds or mortgages, preventing sheriff's sales, applying for emergency mortgage assistance and an understanding of the foreclosure process. 

After a question-and-answer session, participants were able to sit down one-on-one with agency representatives to discuss their personal situations and needs.

"Information is the key," said McGeehan. "We wanted to bring in folks who are at the forefront of foreclosure prevention. It’s important for people to know what programs are available to them during this economic crisis and give them every option and opportunity to keep themselves in their homes." 

The panel of experts included Advocates for Financial Independence, Community Legal Services, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, Philadelphia ACORN, the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, Philadelphia Sheriff’s Department, Philadelphia Records Department and the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition. 

McGeehan noted that the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition Foreclosure Prevention Task Force has published "The Foreclosure Prevention Resource Guide," which explains the foreclosure process and provides contact information on the many agencies and organizations prepared to assist homeowners.

The publication can be obtained online at http://www.gpuac.org/foreclosurehelp.htm.

McGeehan said the guide and other publications from the agencies that took part in the seminar are in his district office at 7731 Frankford Ave. The phone number is 215-333-9760.

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