PALM HARBOR, Fla. (12 June) - U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.), representing Florida’s 9th Congressional District including portions of Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, will be hosting a home foreclosure assistance workshop on Saturday, June 20, 2009.
 
The event will be held at Cypress Woods Elementary, 4900 Cypress Woods Blvd. Palm Harbor, Fla., from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

According to RealtyTrac, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area had 16,464 foreclosure filings in the first quarter of 2009, representing one in every 80 housing units. This represents a nearly 40 percent increase from a year ago, ranking 23rd in the nation among metropolitan areas.

"Homeownership is one of the cornerstones of the American dream. Given the current downturn in the housing market, many families are insecure about their most important investment," said Bilirakis “This event will provide information to families facing foreclosure or who are concerned about their current housing and financial situation."

Among the topics to be discussed include guidance on how to work with lenders and housing counselors as well as refinancing and loan modification options and information about HUD's loss mitigation program for FHA mortgages.