ATLANTA — Homeowners struggling to avoid foreclosure are getting help from the American Dream Event. The goal of the event is to preserve the American dream of home ownership.
It's taking place in downtown Atlanta.
Channel 2's Sophia Choi said this year, not as many people are showing up to get help from the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, or NACA.
Sophia Tophia attended to begin the process of getting her mortgage lowered. She said she waited overnight to be the first in line.
“My hope today is to really save my home, because I have children,” Tophia said.
Tophia lost her previous job and is now making about half of what she used to. That forced her to skip some house payments.
“When I pulled up to my home yesterday, there was a representative (there) so my home is facing foreclosure,” Tophia said.
Tophia was one of hundreds at the America's Mart in downtown Atlanta to work with the nonprofit, government certified organization, NACA, during the American Dream Event.
Volunteers work for free and help negotiate a lower payment, by putting homeowners face-to-face with lenders.
Choi said she’s been to several NACA events in the past, but there were more empty seats this year. The organizer said it's a reflection of the improving economy, but that's not all.
“But also, some people have given up, so we have to re-engage them before they lose their homes, and that's what we're here to do," said NACA founder Bruce Marks.
Those who are attending, like Cynthia Harper, are getting results.
“They helped me to go from a $950 mortgage to $363 mortgage,” Harper said.
The event runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Monday. To take part, you need to bring in some paperwork, including proof of income, three months of bank statements, your latest tax return, mortgage statements and your property tax bill.
WSBTV
