Homeowners Get Help and Hope at Workshop Hosted By Senator Dutton

RIVERSIDE - More than 400 people attended a free workshop sponsored by Sen. Bob Dutton (R-Rancho Cucamonga) on Feb. 23rd to assist present and future homeowners avoid the consequences of foreclosure.

The event was held at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) Extension Campus. UCR was co-host of the workshop.

The workshop was held in response to the skyrocketing number of home foreclosures in California over the last year, with the rate in Riverside County among the highest in the state.

“Unfortunately, the number of families facing hardship continues to rise,” said Senator Dutton. “I was sad to see so many people are facing this serious problem but happy we were able to get them the help they needed right away.”

Seventeen lenders and more than a half dozen credit counselors along with various state agencies were on hand to provide assistance and advice to those concerned about their home mortgages.

“I was impressed by the number of lenders, counselors and representatives from the various state agencies who came to the workshop to offer whatever assistance they could to these homeowners,” Senator Dutton said. “I’d like to thank all who offered their assistance, beginning with the governor’s representatives, for helping the residents of this area to try and protect their most valuable asset – their home.”

Residents who attended the workshop found it very helpful. In fact, some were able to find answers to their mortgage issues on the spot.

“This was a terrific help to me,” said one home owner. “I was able to talk directly to my lender and get my payments stabilized right now, which will allow me to keep my home.”

“The counselors made me aware of some really good options that I wasn’t aware of,” said another attendee. “It was such a relief to be able to talk directly to someone who could offer me immediate help.”

The key speakers at the event were Carrie Lopez, Director, Department of Consumer Affairs and Maria Giuriato, Real estate Liaison, Department of Real Estate. Representatives from HUD, Feddie Mac, and Veterans’ Affairs were also in attendance.

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