Workshops on avoiding foreclosures

By TOM KANE

MILFORD, PA - This newspaper reported six weeks ago that the number of foreclosures happening in Pike and Wayne counties was rising at an alarming rate. In Pike alone, there has been an average of 90 foreclosures a month, three times the normal number according to Pike County Sheriff Phil Bueki.

In September, two seminars will be held to assist homeowners who are in danger of losing their homes in foreclosure actions by banks and mortgage companies.

“The organizers of the free workshops want to help these folks as much as they can,” said Christine Obser, director of Pike County Department of Human Development, at the meeting of the Pike County Commissioners on August 27.

The first seminar will be held at St. Patrick’s Church at 111 East High Street in Milford on September 8 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The second will be held at St. Vincent de Paul’s Church on Route 739 in Dingman Township on September 15 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

“This is a joint program organized by the Neighborhood Housing Services of Lackawanna County, Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton and North Penn Legal Services,” Obser said.

Similar workshops were held in Monroe County last month.

“They had 20 attendees at one and 30 at another,” Obser said. “They were so successful that these two seminars will be held as well.”

North Penn Legal Services is an organization that offers legal representation to low-income families or families threatened by foreclosure. Neighborhood Housing Services is a consortium of lending agencies, which include Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, Community Bank and Trust Company, First National Community Bank, Citizens Savings Bank, First Liberty Bank and Trust and Penn Security Bank and Trust.

Catholic Social Services offers a broad array of services to people in need or experiencing financial difficulties.

Anyone wishing to participate must call 570/207-2283 to reserve a seat.