Homeowners Given FLASH Of Hope

Pasco residents on the brink of losing homes have gained an ally in trying to avoid foreclosures and scam artists.

The Florida Bar and Florida Legal Services have created a new service called Florida Attorneys Saving Homes. Request the free legal assistance by calling toll free 1-866-607-2187.

Some 10,000 volunteer lawyers across the state will aid homeowners who have not entered foreclosure proceedings, according to Greg Giordano, chief legislative assistant to state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey.

Many residents continue to be squeezed by the housing market collapse. The online RealtyTrac lists 826 new foreclosure filings in May in Pasco County alone.

Already struggling to make mortgage payments, some desperate residents have become prey for criminals claiming to help rescue people from foreclosures.

Legislation that Fasano wrote to protect consumers from such fraud recently became law. It gives residents 10 days to rescind a contract with a foreclosure "rescue" firm, Fasano has explained. No longer may firms ask for cash advances or credit card numbers.

The FLASH program, which started June 25, seems to dovetail with the new protections against fraud, Giordano said.

The service is part of the Florida Bar's pro bono requirements that lawyers must devote a certain number of hours without charge each year to worthy causes.

The volunteer lawyers could have their work cut out for them. As of June, Florida had some 77,000 foreclosure cases, Giordano said. The state ranked second in the nation in foreclosures, trailing only California.

Residents who have missed a mortgage payment, or fear they might, are eligible for the free FLASH assistance, Giordano said. People who call the hot line will be asked a few questions to ensure accurate placement with a pro bono lawyer from the Real Estate Probate and Trust Lawyers Division of The Florida Bar.

The lawyer will work with the resident and the lender on restructuring the home loan or other options to avoid foreclosure.

"We are all working toward a common goal - stopping foreclosure before it starts," a news release states.

For more on free legal help, go to www.floridaprobono .org.