Group to offer assistance for those facing foreclosure

by Laura Yuen, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — The Minnesota Home Ownership Center begins a series of free mortgage counseling workshops this week for families facing foreclosure.

The first workshop is Tuesday in St. Paul. The workshops are designed for homeowners who are worried about making mortgage payments or who are already on the brink of losing their homes.

Executive Director Julie Gugin said some consumers are too embarrassed to ask for help early in the process. Gugin said by the time they meet with her staff, it's often too late to help them hang onto their homes.

"The sooner that people seek help when they're facing mortgage crisis, the more options there are for them, and the more likely their lenders are going to be able to work with us," Gugin said.

Those who attend tomorrow night's workshop will be able to meet with foreclosure specialists and lending companies.

The event is from 4:30 to 8:30 at Arlington Hills Lutheran Church in St. Paul.

More workshops will take place next month in Brooklyn Park and Minneapolis.