Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Task Force

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 29, 2008

“MORTGAGE TROUBLE? DON’T DELAY. CALL TODAY.”
Governor announces local toll-free help line

PHOENIX - Governor Janet Napolitano announced today the latest effort in a series of state initiatives to better serve Arizona families facing foreclosure. Homeowners who are either delinquent on their mortgage or face foreclosure now have a new, dedicated 24/7 toll-free help line to reach a local Arizona foreclosure counselor: 1-877-448-1211.

“In response to a problem that is increasingly affecting so many Arizona families we are launching this new toll free number in an effort to urge homeowners to not delay – to call today,” said Governor Janet Napolitano. “Troubled Arizona homeowners now have a phone number that will connect them to specialized services right here in Arizona. We urge anyone who may be at risk of foreclosure to call a local foreclosure counselor today.”

The Arizona foreclosure help line, made available through a $1.3 million federal grant, will be a vital link between families facing a housing crisis and access to free foreclosure counseling appointments. The Arizona Department of Housing is contracting with Community Information and Referral Services to staff the call center which will connect homeowners to a local, certified foreclosure counselor.

Other state efforts to address the mortgage foreclosure crisis in Arizona include:
• Expanding the Arizona Department of Housing’s Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention program (from $2.75 million to $4.2 million) and providing an additional $500,000 to support additional outreach in highly-impacted areas
• Additional foreclosure counselors being trained across the state
• Foreclosure Prevention Workshops for at-risk homeowners throughout Arizona
• Leadership in the Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, which brings together 200 organizations, lenders, community leaders and government representatives to coordinate outreach and education efforts to assist homeowners facing foreclosure

Tips on helping to avoid foreclosure can be found at www.azgovernor.gov.