Notice: The DFS Portal will be unavailable from 6pm EDT on Friday, March 29 through Sunday, March 31 due to a scheduled system upgrade.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the Department of Financial Services is reaching out to help Copiague area homeowners struggling to save their homes from foreclosure.
Foreclosure prevention specialists will be available to meet homeowners from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 10 in the Department of Financial Services’ Mobile Command Center (MCC) which will be located outside the Copiague Memorial Public Library, 50 Deauville Blvd. in Copiague.
Governor Cuomo said "It is essential that we provide as much help as possible to financially-troubled homeowners. The objective is to provide direct help to homeowners and get the word out to others that it’s important to ask for help as quickly as possible. The longer a homeowner waits, the harder it may be to save a home."
Governor Cuomo directed the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to launch the foreclosure prevention program in January as a means of extending help to homeowners in foreclosure or at risk of foreclosure. Since then, the program has visited more than a dozen sites with high foreclosure rates throughout the state.
Benjamin M. Lawsky, Superintendent of Financial Services, said: “It’s important that homeowners who start to see financial problems know that there are more options available to them if they act sooner, rather than later. The foreclosure prevention program allows homeowners to meet one-on-one with foreclosure prevention specialists who are knowledgeable and can offer practical guidance.”
Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. said: “Many local families are struggling to stay in their homes and deal with the financial hardships caused by the current economy. It’s important for these families to remember that help is available. Through this free program, residents can speak one-on-one with trained specialists and learn about services to help them stay in their homes. I thank the Department of Financial Services for partnering with me to once again offer this important service to families.”
Senator Owen H. Johnson said, “Families are struggling to stay in their homes in this difficult economy and need to know there are services available to help them. Homeowners can speak one-on-one with trained professionals to learn about services to help them stay in their homes. I thank the Department of Financial Services for partnering with me to offer this essential service to local residents.”
Assemblyman Bob Sweeney said: “This is an important initiative designed to help homeowners greatly increase their ability to stay in their homes. Waiting limits your options, it is vital that people in foreclosure seek help as soon as possible. I thank Governor Cuomo and the Department of Financial Services for their efforts in helping Long Island’s homeowners.”
State Resources Available to Homeowners
The state’s foreclosure prevention program enables homeowners to have confidential meetings with DFS foreclosure specialists who assess where homeowners are in the pre-foreclosure or foreclosure process. Depending on individuals’ specific situations, the specialists may offer homeowners assistance in such areas as:
U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved housing counselors will also be available to offer assistance to homeowners.
Homeowners unable to meet personally with foreclosure prevention specialists are urged to the call the Department’s toll-free foreclosure hotline, 1-800-269-0990 or 518-457-1654, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Homeowners may also file complaints using the Department website, www.dfs.ny.gov.
The Department urged homeowners to be wary of mortgage rescue scams, which may be marketed by private businesses. For example, the Department said homeowners should: