Washington, DC – February 8, 2008 – Due to the rising number of foreclosures in the 9th Congressional District, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced today that he will host a Foreclosure Assistance Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, February 16. The workshop will be held at the Renaissance Center Boys and Girls Club located at 990 College Park off Walker Avenue.
The purpose of the workshop is to provide homeowners who are concerned with rising mortgage payments or foreclosure with timely, confidential information and objective advice from trained counselors. The workshop will also give homeowners an opportunity to meet with counselors individually to discuss their own circumstances and available options.
Congressman Cohen stated, “I want to be sure that every homeowner has access to the most useful and current information. I encourage everyone who wishes to attend to contact my district office at 544-4131 to ensure we have enough counselors at the workshop.”
According to RealtyTrac, an online marketplace for foreclosure properties, the City of Memphis statistical area was ranked the 14th highest in the nation in foreclosure filings for the third quarter of 2007. There were a total of 6,239 filings during that time, or one filing for every 85 households. This represents a 27 percent jump from the second quarter of 2007 and almost a 39 percent increase from this same period in 2006. During 2007, the State of Tennessee reported a total of 45,834 filings representing a 24 percent increase over 2006 and a 64 percent increase over 2005. Nationally, in 2007, there were approximately 2.2 million filings, up 75 percent from 2006 and 149 percent from 2005.
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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, Congressman Cohen (202) 225-3265/ (202) 368-9275
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, (202) 225-3265 / (202) 320-2817
Susan Sowell, Executive Assistant, (202) 431-1607 (mobile)
