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FORECLOSURE PREVENTION PRO BONO PROJECT In the first quarter of 2009, Maryland ranked 16th in terms of highest foreclosure concentration nationwide. While this represents an improvement in the State’s foreclosure rate, there are still thousands of Maryland citizens falling behind on their mortgage payments and at risk of foreclosure. Over 9,000 foreclosure actions have been filed in Maryland in just the first quarter of 2009. One in every 250 homes in Maryland is in some stage of foreclosure. These homeowners need your help The Maryland legislature enacted emergency legislation related to the foreclosure process to offer greater opportunities for homeowners to preserve their homes. New notice requirements, additional defenses and modifications to the process itself may enable families and individuals a chance to either prevent foreclosure where feasible or mitigate their losses. They need legal counsel, however, to assist them in the process. We are asking for lawyers to help in any of the following three ways: Direct Representation – Accept loss mitigation or foreclosure defense cases directly from a pro bono referral program Brief Advice and Counsel – Provide free brief advice and counsel to homeowners at foreclosure solutions workshops for the public Of Counsel – Serve as pro bono counsel to non-profit housing counseling agencies working with homeowners We will provide training, malpractice insurance and mentoring support to any pro bono lawyer lending a hand. Training is free for those agreeing to accept a pro bono foreclosure case or render 15 hours of pro bono legal service to the Project. In order to register for free training, please download the Registration and Training Form and fax or email to: For more information on volunteering for the Project or sponsoring a Foreclosure Solutions Workshop in your community, contact Jennifer Larrabee, Esq., Project Manager, at 410-837-9379 or 1-800-396-1274 or jlarrabee@probonomd.org. Foreclosure Prevention Resources: Maryland HOPE Hotline 1 (877) 462-7555 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 7 days a week For a list of non-profit housing counseling agencies in Maryland by county and other helpful information and resources regarding foreclosure prevention. You may also access updated information regarding upcoming Foreclosure Solutions Workshops by clicking the “Upcoming Events & Workshops” link. Sponsored by DHCD For information about President Obama’s recently announced plans to encourage lenders to modify mortgage loans and refinance certain mortgages. Refinance applies only to certain loans owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Commissioner of Financial Regulation Complaint Hotline 1 (888) 784-0136 File a complaint with the Commissioner of Financial Regulation against the company or individual who took my money and falsely promised to help with my mortgage. Foreclosure Solutions Workshops Homeowners can obtain brief consultation and advice from a pro bono attorney at a Foreclosure Solutions Workshop. See below for a current schedule of workshops and pre-registration information. Pre-registration guarantees free legal consultation. You do not have to be in foreclosure to obtain a free consultation with a volunteer attorney. Bring all loan documents, mortgage default/foreclosure documents and monthly household budget to your consultation. Schedule of Workshops: If you would like information about upcoming foreclosure solutions workshops where you can obtain brief consultation and advice from a pro bono attorney, please contact the Pro Bono Resource Center at (410) 837-9379 or 1(800) 396-1274). The following links contain helpful written materials for homeowners facing foreclosure and the attorneys assisting them.
The Foreclosure Prevention Pro Bono Project is coordinated by the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland in collaboration with:
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