City of Lockport, Consumer Credit Counseling Service to hold foreclosure prevention resources awareness workshop

The City of Lockport will host a foreclosure prevention resources awareness workshop from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, in the Common Council Chambers, One Locks Plaza. The workshop is part of the city’s efforts made available through a grant received from the New York state attorney general’s office in an effort to clear blight and prevent “zombie” properties, or poorly maintained, vacant bank-owned properties that are the result of bank foreclosures.

“The office’s zombie prevention initiative empowers New York communities to overcome the devastating effects of the foreclosure crisis and housing downturn, providing cities and towns with tools to help keep families in their homes,” Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood said. "I’m proud that my office’s funding allows cities like Lockport to revitalize their neighborhoods, and I commend them for proactively working to address these critical issues.”

The workshop will be led by Consumer Credit Counseling Service, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals and families with their credit and other complex financial issues. CCCS is recognized by the attorney general’s office as offering qualified housing counseling in Niagara County.

“No matter how much you plan and prepare, life happens. Whether you have suffered a medical issue that added on expenses, you lost a job or any manner of other challenges, that can pile up your bills,” City of Lockport Mayor Michelle Roman said. “It is a stressful time; especially when your mortgage payment is due and you just don’t have the funds to cover it. Supports are out there for you, and this workshop will help you learn about those resources to help you through the tough times.”

Noelle Carter, president and CEO of CCCS, said, “It is critical that homeowners understand that there are advocates here that can assist them if they fall on hard times, and are having trouble making their mortgage payments. The options available to struggling homeowners can be confusing, and complex, so working with an experienced housing counselor who is looking out for the homeowner’s best interest, and assisting them with communicating with the mortgage servicer, can be invaluable.”

The event is free and open to the public. Free confidential one-on-one financial coaching sessions are also offered by CCCS. Interested individuals can call 716-712-2060 or visit www.consumercreditbuffalo.org to set up an appointment. These coaching sessions take place in Lockport at the Dale Association, located at 33 Ontario St.