If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, it is important to act quickly and to seek help from trustworthy resources.  Be proactive and contact a HUD-Certified counseling agency.  Experienced housing counselors, certified through the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), help homeowners who are in danger of losing their homes. Housing counselors can also help you understand and take advantage of other types of assistance. ROOF has two counseling partners in New Haven who provide this free service:

 

                Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven (203) 777-6925
                Greater New Haven Community Loan Fund (203) 624-7406

Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) and CT Fair Housing Center also hold foreclosure orientation clinics. For more information and a schedule, visit the Clinics page or call NHS at the number above. For a legal to representing yourself in foreclosure, see CT Fair Housing Center's "Representing Yourself in Foreclosure: A Guide for Connecticut Homeowners."

Every case is different - you may need help from a lawyer or job training to help you get back into the workforce.  The Connecticut Judicial Branch has a new volunteer attorney program where homeowners can get free help related to foreclosures every Wednesday morning at New Haven Superior Court. Or you might be eligible for a program through the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority.

Any homeowner facing foreclosure should also participate in the Connecticut Foreclosure Mediation Program by filling out the appropriate forms received along with foreclosure papers from the court.  Homeowners benefit from the assistance of a mediator who works with the homeowner and the lender to try to negotiate a solution, such as new loan terms that make it possible for a homeowner to stay.