Housing Help Center will assist homeowners with mortgage woes

The counseling is free.

WARREN — In response to the ongoing housing crisis, the nonprofit Consumer Credit Counseling Service has created the Housing Help Center for homeowners who are worried about staying current on mortgage payments or who are already behind on them.

Certified housing and credit counselors will provide free counseling sessions to help homeowners assess their financial situation, rework budgets and contact lenders, if necessary, to develop a plan to address the mortgage problem.

“We are excited about expanding our CCCS housing counseling services. Getting help early is the best thing to do, even if there is only a chance of falling behind,” says Victor Russell, CCCS regional manager.

“People have more options and are more successful in resolving the problem when they take charge of the situation early on. It certainly never hurts to call or come in for more information,” he said.

CCCS encourages homeowners to recognize the following early warning signs of mortgage trouble:

UWorrying that increased prices for food and gasoline are making it impossible to get through the month.

UAnticipating that a payment increase on an adjustable rate mortgage will be too much to handle.

UTrouble sleeping at night because of concern of missing payments on bills, particularly credit cards, car payments and mortgage payments.

USkipping some bills each month to pay others.

There is no cost for the session. Appointments are available at the CCCS offices in Warren, Sharon and Boardman or can be scheduled by calling (330) 394-2227.

Not sure where you stand? Go to www.cccservices.com, click on the Housing Programs link and the Mortgage Realty Check Quiz.