Nonprofit Touring US To Help Struggling Homeowners

By KATRINA GOGGINS

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Philip and Gloria Spigner saw their monthly mortgage payments climb from $800 to $1,300. Carol and Butch Dycus have received foreclosure notices though they say they're not behind on their payments. And Tony Jumper's mortgage hasn't changed, but 26 people were laid off this week from his job.

They were among the hundreds of people who gathered here Friday to seek advice from a nonprofit group that finds ways to help at-risk homeowners lower their mortgage payments.

It was the third stop on the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America's nationwide "Save the Dream Tour," which offered mortgage restructuring help in Washington, D.C., last year and in Stamford, Conn., last month. The nonprofit also plans to visit areas hard-hit by foreclosure, like Florida and California.

Using paycheck stubs, interviews and tax filings, NACA counselors calculate what struggling homeowners can afford to pay, then negotiate with lenders who have signed agreements with the group.

Around 10,000 people had registered for the free counseling service before the event began Friday and a total of 20,000 were expected to participate over three days, said organizer Carmon Orta.