A Politician that really cares?
It’s like sitting a unicorn…or Bigfoot…or…well maybe it’s not that bad but finding a politician that actually cares is a rare site. Amanda Mole from the Hernando Independent Examiner reports on a “home foreclosure prevention workshop” that was sponsored by Congressman Rich Nugent. The workshop attracted hundreds of people on a a crisp Saturday morning.
According to Ms Mole, “The event, which took place from 9:00am to 1:00pm, included three panel discussions with advice on consumer protection, legal process, and credit management and debt reduction. Additionally, 30 vendors, including banks, legal service providers, and debt counselors, were available on-site to provide assistance to the attendees free of charge.”
If the workshop helps one person, it was a success. My hope is that it will help many more!
Hundreds attend home foreclosure prevention workshop
Amanda Mole, Hernando County Independent Examiner
Drivers jockeyed for a parking space in Central High School’s parking lot. Hundreds of people carrying pencils and notebooks flooded the hallways. Nervous chatter permeated the air. One would think it was the first day of school.
But it was not the first day of school. It was an early Saturday morning, and the people crowding the hallways were desperate homeowners, not high school teenagers. Over 300 people pre-registered for this morning’s home foreclosure prevention workshop sponsored by Congressman Rich Nugent. Hundreds more arrived and registered on-site.
Congressman Nugent, clearly moved, welcomed participants in the auditorium. “One person told me he was afraid that he’d register and be the only one here,” he told the crowd. “What’s important is that we understand that no one is alone in this, and that we talk to each other and come up with ideas and solutions.”
The event, which took place from 9:00am to 1:00pm, included three panel discussions with advice on consumer protection, legal process, and credit management and debt reduction. Additionally, 30 vendors, including banks, legal service providers, and debt counselors, were available on-site to provide assistance to the attendees free of charge. Dozens of people waited in long lines to take advantage of the opportunity.
Chai Mookdasanit, a self-employed small business owner facing home foreclosure, expressed appreciation for Congressman Nugent’s efforts. “Things like this need to take place more often,” he stated. “The county needs to be more aware of resident issues besides just enforcing the law… and giving out traffic violations,” he added with a laugh. “All of us are people. We all want to take care of our children. We all want to give them food, clothes, good education, you know? We all want the same thing.”
Are you facing home foreclosure? If so, here are some tips to protect yourself:
Beware of foreclosure rescue scams. Remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never send your mortgage payment to anyone other than your financial service provider. Any service that demands an up-front payment is in violation of the law.
Always have a written contract, and always know what you are signing.
BE PERSISTENT when communicating with your bank or mortgage lender. When you fail to connect with someone via phone or email, request an in-person meeting.
Contact reputable non-profit housing or financial counselors, such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Homeownership Preservation Foundation.
If you think you are stuck in a foreclosure scam, consider contacting the following agencies immediately:
Federal Trade Commission
State Attorney General
State, County, and City Protection Offices