Across the nation, millions of homeowners are struggling with their mortgage debts and a significant percentage of them are losing the battle. In Maryland, the continued rise in the number of foreclosure homes has even prompted a Courts of Appeal chief judge to urge non profit organizations, local officials and individuals to help these troubled borrowers.

Fortunately, the plea of the chief judge did not fall on deaf ears. A new program named Foreclosure Prevention Pro Bono Project has been launched to address the current problems in the housing crisis. The project aims to train local lawyers so that they could advice distressed homeowners and assist in foreclosure counseling. The said training program will last the entire summer.

In Maryland, there are about 33,000 licensed lawyers who received a letter from Chief Judge Robert Bell, urging to participate in the program and volunteer some of their time as well as make monetary donations.

The action of the chief judge and the subsequent formation of the project came at a time when the foreclosure problem in the state has become more pronounced. The entire state is feeling the negative impact of the rising foreclosure rate, declining home prices and sluggish home sales.

According to the Mortgage Banker’s Association, during the first quarter of the year, the number of Maryland homeowners who were late in their mortgage payments reached a staggering 70,000.

There are various reasons why these homeowners are having difficulties paying their mortgage debts. Many are suffering from financial problems brought about by unemployment, illness or marriage troubles. Others, on the other hand, simply could no longer afford their mortgage dues especially after the interest rates have reset.

Other cities and states could definitely benefit from the example set by Maryland when it comes to providing assistance to troubled borrowers.

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• Maryland Governor Expands Foreclosure Initiative
• Potential Bargains and Maryland Foreclosure Homes
• Federal Housing Rescue Program Already In Effect