Action Now Pushes Foreclosure Mediation

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by Wendell A. LaGrand

In first quarter of 2010, in Chicago,almost 3,500 homes went into foreclosure, according

to data from the Woodstock Institute,a Chicago-based think tank.

Since 2008, Action Now, a community group, has worked to combat the growing number of foreclosures and abandoned properties in the city. The organization took on the issue after community residents tried negotiating with banks, but at the same time, the banks were continuing with foreclosure proceedings, without people even knowing, Braden Lismann, field director for Action Now said.

We spent most of 2008 and 2009 speaking with elected officials and the Cook County Court,and found that the program, needed funding, he said.

That funding was approved by the CookCounty Board of Commissioners in November,

2009, in the sum of $3.5 million. Foreclosure mediation for homeowners began in April of

this year.

The Circuit Court of Cook County Mortgage Foreclosure Mediation Programs goal

is to deliver critical services to Cook County homeowners in crisis as early as possible once

the foreclosure process begins.

Homeowners who have received a summons to appear in court will have access to

housing counseling and legal assistance at no charge.

It means foreclosure court is no longer a place you go to lose your home, its a place

to go to save your home, Lisman said adding, People do not show up for court. Thats

why outreach is so big. That is why were also working with nine other groups, he stated.

For more information, visit cookcountyforeclosurehelp.org.

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