In an effort to stem the high number of foreclosures in Illinois, Governor Quinn’s Mortgage Relief Project will be stopping in Joliet to help area homeowners take advantage of programs that can help them stay in their homes. In November 2009, there were 16,422 foreclosures statewide, a 107-percent increase over November 2008.

The Mortgage Relief Project offers property owners on-site assistance to rework their mortgages and prevent foreclosure. Homeowners who have recently fallen behind on their mortgage payments can obtain a 90-day grace period by entering housing counseling, according to the Homeowner Protection Act, a new law enacted earlier last year by Governor Quinn. Property owners can exercise their rights during Mortgage Relief Project outreach events, which are administered by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
“By participating in this event, homeowners can literally save their homes,” said Brent E. Adams, Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation. “The Mortgage Relief Project provides direct, tangible, and free assistance to homeowners.”
“We partner struggling homeowners with financial counselors who assist them in getting the resources they need to keep their homes,” said Gloria L. Materre, IHDA Executive Director. 

The Joliet event is hosted by State Senator A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) and State Representative Jack McGuire (D-Joliet), and co-hosted by State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora), House Republican Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego), State Representative Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora), and State Representative Emily McAsey (D-Crest Hill).

It will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2010, at Joliet West High School, 401 North Larkin Avenue. The free workshops will offer helpful advice about mortgage refinancing, foreclosure prevention, legal rights, credit counseling and avoiding scam artists. Homeowners can also obtain private, one-on-one housing counseling with HUD-certified counselors and are encouraged to bring their latest mortgage documents (bills, statements, notices, etc.) and their state ID or driver’s licenses.

The Homeowner Protection Act establishes a grace period of up to 90 days on mortgage foreclosures for homeowners that enter housing counseling.

Mortgage Relief Project Testimonials

• “I received outstanding customer service (at the outreach event). The housing counselor was attentive to my details. She made me feel as if help is on the way.”
  --Mr. C.S., Chicago’s South Suburbs

• “The housing counselor was very helpful to me in reviewing my materials. Staff members were open and friendly and the program was very informative.”
  --Ms. H.V., Central Illinois

• I received confirmation that what I am doing the correct thing to do (to prevent foreclosure).”
  --Anonymous, Southwestern Illinois