Senator Oppenheimer, Governor Cuomo Helping Families Facing Foreclosure

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Westchester County homeowners will have the opportunity to meet with mortgage foreclosure specialists from the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) on August 3  in White Plains. The Department’s Mobile Command Center will be available to assist homeowners already in foreclosure or at risk of foreclosure from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It will be located at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Martine Avenue, in front of the Westchester County courthouse.

The Foreclosure Relief Unit of the DFS was created earlier this year by Governor Andrew Cuomo in order to help those facing foreclosure. Specialists are available to provide information on available federal or state programs and answer inquiries about the foreclosure process. In addition, homeowners may seek help in obtaining loan modifications and other relief and in seeking resolutions with banks and mortgage servicers.

Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) is pleased to be able to bring this foreclosure assistance program to her constituents. “With so many homeowners in financial trouble, it is essential that we offer help to those who need it. Many homeowners in foreclosure or pre-foreclosure situations simply do not know where to turn, and the foreclosure process becomes ever more difficult the longer a homeowner waits to seek assistance,” said the Senator.

The Senator has also secured the assistance of Westchester Residential Opportunities, Inc., (WRO), a leading HUD-certified Housing Counseling Agency, which provides housing counseling and legal assistance services to Westchester homeowners.  Specially trained foreclosure prevention staff from WRO will be on hand to assist the DFS efforts.

Oppenheimer was among several legislators who successfully fought for restoration of $25 million in the 2012-13 NYS budget to support the continuation of  the State’s Foreclosure Prevention Services  Program. “Sadly, thousands of homes in Westchester County are at imminent risk of foreclosure,” observed the Senator.  “That is why it is so important to provide direct help to homeowners in need and also to spread the word to others.  A confidential consultation with the experts at the Foreclosure Relief Unit now can save many homeowners from unnecessary hardship later on.”

“I am grateful to Governor Cuomo for creating the Foreclosure Relief Unit and bringing its Mobile Command Center to our community on August 3rd,” said Oppenheimer.  “I also wish to thank Mayor Tom Roach of White Plains for his help in securing a convenient location for this important event.” 

No appointment is needed to meet with the foreclosure relief specialists.  Homeowners should bring with them any documents relevant to their individual situations, such as records of mortgage payments or letter to them from lenders or mortgage servicers.

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