Task force continues to reach out to homeowners

SACRAMENTO — Governor Schwarzenegger’s Interdepartmental Task Force on Non-Traditional Mortgages has expanded its work to curb the foreclosure crisis.

Advertisements featuring real California families whose homes were saved from foreclosure are now featured in newspapers statewide.

“It wasn’t easy, but we worked with our lender and we got to keep our home,” said John Shields, whose family is featured in the campaign. “It’s a challenge to talk so publicly about such a personal issue, but we felt the most important thing is to help others who find themselves in our situation.”

The homeowners featured in the campaign volunteered their time to encourage others to take action and save their homes. They recorded radio public service announcements (PSAs) that have been broadcasting statewide since March.

The PSAs, billboards and newspaper advertisements are in English and Spanish and urge homeowners who are worried about their ability to meet their monthly mortgage payments to contact the HOPE Hotline to speak with a HUD-certified mortgage counselor about their situation.

“The important thing to know is that it’s not too late,” said Chiara Teruel, a young Sacramento woman featured in the statewide ads. “Even if you are 90 days delinquent in your payments, it’s still worth finding out what your options are.”

To view the testimonial advertisements and bus signage or hear the PSAs, visit http://www.yourhome.ca.gov (click on the “90 Days of Hope” tab).

Mortgage payment defaults in California are at a 15-year high. In 2007, the state accounted for six of the nation’s top 10 metro areas with the worst foreclosure rates.