By: Ashmar Mandou

Amid reports of Chicago being the city hit with the highest foreclosure rates, the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network will bring together several organizations to its biggest foreclosure workshop in South Holland.

This weekend, struggling homeowners will be able to receive legal advice, mortgage payment assistance programs and tips on how to avoid mortgage fraud from various state agencies and non-profit organizations at the Village of South Holland Community Center, 501 E. 170th St.

“With all that is happening around the city, families are fearful over what is going to happen to them on a daily basis,” states Gerardo Ravelo, mediation councilor for Spanish Coalition for Housing. “Simply put, homeowners need to be informed of what types of programs are out there and we as agencies need to do continually educate them on how to avoid a foreclosure.”

According to the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Illinois is consistently ranked in the top ten states with the highest foreclosure rate. In 2011, one in every 51 homes received a foreclosure filing, according to RealtyTrac. Ravelo attributes the high number to the high concentration of residents unemployed throughout Cook County. “Here at the coalition we know the difficulties families face when hit with a foreclosure notice,” states Ravelo. “That’s why it’s extremely vital for homeowners to take advantage of as many foreclosure workshops as possible.” Ravelo suggests homeowners become acquainted with two types of foreclosure prevention programs available to residents.

Hardest Hit Fund
The Obama Administration established the HHF in 2010 to provide assistance to underemployed and unemployed homeowners at risk of losing their homes. HHF offers two types of assistance and is free to apply. www.keepyourhomeillinois.org.

Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN)
Under Governor Quinn, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), and Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) partnered to establish a free, ‘one-stop’ resource of state agencies and non-profit organizations to help Illinois residents remain in their homes. www.keepyourhomeillinois.org.

Those interested in attending the foreclosure workshop can do so on Saturday, Oct. 13th from 9a.m., to 2p.m., at the Village of South Holland Community Center. For more information, visit www.keepyourhomeillinois.org.