Library offers free help for those struggling to pay their mortgage

More than 1,000 homeowners, most in the process of foreclosure or facing the prospect of it, have turned to the San Diego County Library to seek help with their plight.

The County Library has partnered with the Housing Opportunities Collaborative (HOC) for the past year to provide free counseling to the public at a monthly series of Home Clinics. The next clinic will be held in the Ramona Community Center, 434 Aqua Lane, on Saturday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Home Clinics bring together a unique combination of legal experts, real estate and mortgage professionals and housing agencies to provide free advice to the public. The HOC was recently honored with the prestigious “Distinguished Organization Award” by the San Diego Bar Association.

Individuals may schedule an appointment for a one-on-one meeting with an attorney at the event, as well as attend educational sessions on credit management, mortgage loans, bankruptcy and consumer protection. All assistance is confidential.

Feedback has been universally positive. “I am so grateful;” “I hope you can continue helping many families;” and “The counselor was understanding and helpful” have been just a few of the comments by attendees.

“Our libraries not only provide books and materials about foreclosures and finances, we serve as a gathering place where we can partner with other agencies and provide hands-on support to our customers,” said County Library Director José Aponte.

Registration is required by calling the HOC at 800-462-0503, e-mailing HOMEClinic@housingcollaborative.org, or at the County Library’s Web site at www.sdcl.org (click on the HOC advertisement.)

For more information about the events, visit the County Library Web site or call Susan Moore at 858-694-2448.