Click here to download this resource list as a PDF file.

Foreclosure Prevention Resources

Statewide Foreclosure Network

This is a network of 15 non-profit housing counseling agencies across the state that provide one-on-one foreclosure prevention counseling for homeowners. 

Homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments need to call the HOPE HOTLINE at 1.888.995.HOPE(4673) or locate and work directly with one of the 88 HUD Approved housing counseling agencies throughout the state by visiting http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm.

Chicago residents may call 311 to be connected to a local housing counseling agency.

To learn more about the Hope Hotline visit http://www.995hope.org.

Homeowner Outreach Days

Homeowner or “borrower” outreach days are local events coordinated in various Illinois locations targeting homeowners who are currently delinquent on their mortgage or in danger of becoming delinquent. Participants have the opportunity to attend educational workshops, meet with local lenders and seek ongoing assistance from HUD Approved housing counseling agencies.

To learn more visit http://www.ihda.org, or if you are a Chicago resident simply dial 311.

Homeowners’ Referral Helpline

The office of the Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s new homeowners’ referral helpline offers guidance on avoiding mortgage foreclosures.  Call the office nearest to you at 1.800.386.5438 (Chicago), 1.800.243.0618 (Springfield), or 1.800.243.0607 (Carbondale).

To download a copy of the Attorney General’s Mortgage Lending Guide visit http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/mor_lend_guide.pdf.

Mortgage Information and Fraud Hotline

Homeowners who believe they may have been the victims of deceitful or fraudulent lending practices can get in touch with state mortgage fraud investigators by calling 1.800.532.8785 or call the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation at 1.877.793.3470 to file a complaint.

Additional Resources  

Read tips for avoiding foreclosure:

http://www.hud.gov/foreclosure/index.cfm

http://www.freddiemac.com/corporate/buyown/english/avoiding_foreclosure/

File a complaint:

http://www.affil.org/get_active/complaint.php

Seek free or low cost legal aid:

http://www.rin.lsc.gov/scripts/LSC/PD/PDList7.asp

Learn more about the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007:

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=174034,00.html

Find a lawyer who is a member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) to represent you in case of fraudulent, predatory or abusive business practices:

http://members.naca.net/findanattorney.php

Housing Action Illinois

Housing Action Illinois is addressing the foreclosure crisis through a four-part initiative, which includes: training for counselors, engagement in the mortgage market, increasing financial support for housing counselors, and convening local stakeholders for local solutions.  Through training and technical assistance, Housing Action helps to build the capacity of Illinois housing counseling agencies so they are well-equipped to deal with the foreclosure crisis.  For more information, please contact katie@housingactionil.org.