AG plans foreclosure-assistance seminars

PAWTUCKET - The first in a series of state-sponsored foreclosure-assistance seminars will be held in Pawtucket, it was announced this week by R.I. Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch, who will run the program.

The Blackstone Valley Foreclosure Assistance Forum will be held at Jenks Junior High School on Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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The seminar series is the result of a working group assembled by Lynch to assist homeowners and renters facing foreclosure. The meetings will address legal issues, consumer protection and financial management through one-on-one sessions, state and city officials said.

Joining Lynch in announcing the seminar series - in a news conference yesterday at 222 Sterry St., Pawtucket, a foreclosed and formerly vacant property that is now owner-occupied through the efforts of the Blackstone Valley Community Action Program (BVCAP) and the City of Pawtucket - were Pawtucket Mayor James E. Doyle and Rhode Island Housing Executive Director Richard Godfrey.

“We are pleased to be working together with our partners at BVCAP, the City of Pawtucket and the Attorney General’s Office to provide Rhode Islanders impacted by the foreclosure crisis a safe place to turn for home help,” Godfrey said in a statement. “The earlier Rhode Islanders seek help, the more options they will have. This forum provides the opportunity for our HelpCenter counselors to reach out to families in need.”

Added Lynch: “As the housing crisis deepens and more and more of our homeowners find themselves facing foreclosure, it’s imperative to provide information as soon as possible to help navigate the myriad challenges ahead.”

Rhode Island Housing is a self-sustaining state agency that helps Rhode Islanders to obtain homes they can afford, offering loans, grants and consumer education. To learn more, visit RhodeIslandHousing.org.

For news and information from the R.I. Office of the Attorney General, visit www.riag.ri.gov.