A public education forum, “Foreclosure: Moving From Fear To Positive Action,” will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2011 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Shiloh Baptist Church, 515-521 West Fourth Street, Plainfield. The event is free and open to the public.
The forum is designed to provide guidance to property owners fearing or facing foreclosure issues, and to help tenants in properties with foreclosure issues. Free parking is available and the facility is wheelchair accessible.
“Individuals and families in Union County are being impacted by foreclosure on their houses. Some have already lost them, or are in the mediation process. Others may be experiencing the fear and anxiety of not knowing whether or not they will be facing foreclosure in the near future,” stated Peter McTienan, Co-Chair of the Union County Human Relations Commission. “We are trying to spread the word that there are free resources that are offered on a state and county level, options that are available, and positive actions that can be taken.”
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“People in foreclosure wake up worried every day,” stated Elizabeth Hulse. “They do not know how to save their homes or how to ask for help. This conference is about reaching out. We want these homeowners to know that they are not alone. The mediation program is designed to provide them with experienced advocates and neutral mediators to make sure that all possible ways of keeping their houses are explored with their banks.”
Ms. Hulse is with the New Jersey Public Defender’s Office of Dispute Settlement, and will be one of the key presenters. She will provide an overview of the New Jersey Foreclosure Mediation Program, and how to apply for the program and its services.
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The New Jersey Foreclosure Mediation Program provides resources and referral information for distressed homeowners, including free state-appointed legal representation in mediation, and housing counselors who can assist with budgeting, financing, viable loan modifications and mortgage assistance programs.
At the forum, attendees will also gain an understanding of foreclosure proceedings, the court mediation process, guidance on avoiding foreclosure scams, and details about resources available to those who are affected. Various housing counselors will also be available to answer questions.
Members of the Union Count Foreclosure Task Force will also share information about foreclosure resources and distribute literature. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders created this Task Force in the fall of 2008 as the foreclosure crisis was beginning to intensify.
The mission of the Foreclosure Task Force is to help stabilize Union County neighborhoods by providing property owners and tenants with guidance on their legal rights and resources.
“Homeowners and tenants should know that free, reliable guidance is available from government agencies and non-profit organizations that have a mission to protect the public from fraud and scams,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Deborah Scanlon. “If you have any concerns about foreclosure, the upcoming forum is a good place to start taking action.”
The program is being presented by the Union County Human Relations Commission and Union County Foreclosure Task Force in cooperation with the New Jersey Public Defender’s Office of Dispute Settlement and the Union County Superior Court.
For more information regarding the forum, contact the Union County Human Relations Commission, 908-889-9028.
