There is help if you are feeling the mortgage pinch

Are you feeling the pinch from the bad economy and you're concerned you may lose your home?

Are you looking for some help but don't know where to turn?

Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman may have the answer you're looking forward. And you can receive the help in the privacy of your own home.

Lt. Gov. Skillman has helped set up a statewide phone-a-thon that will give troubled borrowers the opportunity to access foreclosure prevention assistance through the privacy of a phone call.

If you're having trouble paying your mortgage, then make sure you mark Tuesday on your calendar so you can make the toll-free call. You can do so between 5-10 p.m. You'll be able to speak with a member of the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN).

During this event, troubled borrowers will be able to ask questions and discuss their situation with an IFPN counselor, attorney or other qualified volunteer. Based on their mortgage situation, borrowers will receive a follow-up packet with details about the next steps they should take.

"Hoosiers are feeling the effects of the national housing crisis. This newest initiative from the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network is an innovative way to give Hoosiers the help they need to preserve homeownership and avoid foreclosure," Lt. Gov. Skillman said in a press release. "I encourage anyone having trouble paying their mortgage to pick up the phone on June 30 and make the call."

The phone-a-thon is a free service. The call-in number varies depending on which county a person lives in, but every Indiana resident has access to a toll-free phone number. The toll-free number for southern Indiana is 1-800-987-9848. A list of counties being serviced by each number is available at www.ifpn.info .

Before calling, you should gather the following items: Loan account number, a brief description of circumstances, recent income documents, and a list of household expenses.

More than 25 organizations, including not-for-profit organizations, state officials and government agencies, lenders, attorneys and housing organizations have played an important part in the creation and promotion of this event. To learn more about this event, to see Public Service Announcements or to view a program about foreclosure prevention, visit www.ifpn.info .

Chris is the general manager/editor for the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by telephone at 847-4487 or 1-800-947-4487 or by e-mail at cpruett79@hotmail.com.