Task force helps families facing foreclosure

Once it was clear Arizona's foreclosure numbers were hitting chart-topping numbers, an ad hoc group of people banded together in June 2007 to track the state's foreclosure rate and help residents in crises.

Foreclosure task force sets 'survival' events

Help available for those facing foreclosure

Hundreds in Valley fall into foreclosure daily

After a recent successful workshop in Gilbert, the group, Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Taskforce, which comprises people from backgrounds in nonprofits, government and banks, is hosting another such seminar and workshop in Mesa on Jan. 10.

"Foreclosures are affecting our communities, our residents in huge numbers and they clearly need help navigating this stuff," said Andrew J. Loubert, vice chairman of the task force.

The free workshops give Foreclosure 101-type information, with the basics on what it's all about and how to deal with it.

Counselors also will be on hand to give one-on-one consultation to families facing foreclosure and will teach them how tocreate a budget.

"What expenses they can cut, where to not hold back - the crisis budget process is crucial for people to realize how much they can truly afford to spend," said Patricia Garcia Duarte, chairwoman of the task force.

The event will also focus on neighborhood concerns such as blight, which are a direct result of foreclosures.

According to Default Research, which tracks pre-foreclosure real estate data, Mesa is among the harder hit municipalities in the state in terms of foreclosure activity.

The events are being hosted by the city with support from The Leadership Centre, a community leadership nonprofit.

Duarte said nearly 100 people attended the Gilbert workshop, which was held in December and she expected a big turnout in Mesa, too.

"Since we formed this task force, we've helped many families through their tough financial times andwe hope to continue that," Duarte said.

The seminar helps people understand their options. It lets them know of available resources, Web sites, and numbers of social service organizations for those who may never have needed this kind of help before.

"It's stuff that's important for families who don't even know where to begin," Duarte said.

For instance, she said, counselors make people aware of the scammers out to make a quick buck from people who are desperate for help.

"We've seen people being charged fees like $1,500 from people claiming they can help you get out of this mess. We want people to know they can do that by talking to the lender themselves," Duarte said.

The event is 9 a.m. to noon, Jan. 10 at Mesa's Utility Building, 640 N. Mesa Drive.

Mesa also is looking for volunteers to help organize the event. Duties include manning the sign-in table and scheduling appointments. To volunteer, visit www.mesaaz.gov/volunteer.