March 29 forum explores strategies to help prevent foreclosures in Macomb

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or cell, 313-410-3417
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2007

Forum seeks Leaders from Financial and Mortgage Institutions, Government, Education and Human Services Arenas to Attend

Since 2005, the number of foreclosure filings in Macomb County nearly tripled, going from 2,755 to 8,192. Due to these staggering figures, leaders from the education, financial and mortgage institutions, government and human service sectors are holding A Forum on Foreclosure to discuss strategies that will help prevent foreclosures in Macomb County, as well as help in the intervention process for those going through foreclosure.

“Home foreclosures have increased dramatically in Macomb County,” said William Crouchman, chair, Macomb County Board of Commissioners. “It’s important to realize how this disturbing trend affects the homeowner and the entire community. We must explore options that help people handle the consequences of foreclosure.”

Anne Lilla, housing coordinator, Macomb Michigan State University Extension added, “Community leaders want to know what to say to people who are in foreclosure. While our system is not perfect, information about options is available. This forum will describe possible ways that people can avoid foreclosure or manage it with the least amount of damage.”

Some of the objectives of this forum will be to:

• enhance education and financial literacy opportunities
  
• address what’s causing the high foreclosure rate and seek prevention solutions
  
• develop a unified approach among area service providers to assist Macomb County residents faced with foreclosure

“This forum supports United Way’s Agenda for Change, emphasizing opportunities to enhance financial stability, educational preparedness and basic needs, such as housing,” said Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “We must work together if we are going to make progress on critical issues, like decreasing the rate of foreclosures, in order for our region to thrive and excel.”

WHAT: A Forum on Foreclosure

WHEN: Thursday, March 29, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

WHERE: Macomb Community College Center Campus, University Center
44575 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township

Speakers: William Crouchman, chair, Macomb County Board of Commissioners; Ron Reed, CEO, Community Central Bank; Jerome T. Moffit, chief deputy treasurer, Macomb County; Anne Lilla, housing coordinator, Macomb Michigan State University Extension; and Greg Sterns, manager, Lighthouse Community Development.

RSVP for this free forum by March 23 by emailing forum@uwsem.org or by calling 586-463-3720. For information on foreclosure assistance please call United Way’s 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or 800-552-1183.

Community partners presenting the forum include: City of Warren, Lighthouse Community Development, Macomb County Asset Building Coalition, Macomb Community College, Macomb County HOME Consortium (City of Roseville, City of Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development), Macomb County MSU Extension, Macomb CRA Association and United Way for Southeastern Michigan.

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