July 29, 2008 (MINNEAPOLIS)— The Minnesota Home Ownership Center, in partnership with the City of Minneapolis, is offering a free, foreclosure prevention workshop for homeowners who are worried about making upcoming mortgage payments, are already facing foreclosure or for anyone interested in learning more about foreclosure.

The Minnesota Home Ownership Center urges all homeowners facing mortgage delinquency or foreclosure to attend. The most important thing a troubled homeowner can do is to begin working with their lender or a foreclosure specialist early. The earlier homeowners act, the more options they have.

The foreclosure prevention workshop will take place on Tuesday, August 5, from 4:00 to 7:00pm at Park Avenue Church and Foundation, 3400 Park Avenue, Minneapolis. No appointments are needed. Participants are encouraged to stop in any time anytime during the workshop hours.

"We’re partnering with the Home Ownership Center to help Minneapolis residents stay in their homes and in their neighborhoods," said Council Member Elizabeth Glidden, Ward 8. "The workshop hours will allow residents to get foreclosure help and yet participate in their neighborhood gathering."

The workshop will begin at 4:00 p.m. so that homeowners can come and get the information they need before heading out to their neighborhood’s National Night Out activities.

The workshop will provide information on what happens during foreclosures, homeowners’ rights, and solutions for long-term housing needs. Participants will be able to ask questions and get free advice – confidentially - from mortgage lending and foreclosure specialists.

For more information about foreclosure prevention or to learn about other upcoming workshops, call the Minnesota Home Ownership Center at (651) 659-9336. The Center works with a network of community-based organizations that offer free, confidential advice about mortgages and foreclosure. Minneapolis residents can also call 3-1-1 for foreclosure help.

Recognized nationally as a model of home ownership and foreclosure prevention programming, the Minnesota Home Ownership Center convenes a network of 50 community-based non-profit, government and tribal organizations to deliver home ownership education and foreclosure prevention services to low and moderate-income households throughout Minnesota. Through its network of community partners, the Center provides 15,000 low- and moderate-income households each year with the tools they need to purchase and sustain affordable homes.