2/8/2011 3:46 PM (PST)

Hi Mike,

You are not alone; many thousands have experienced the grueling and frustrating process of trying to get a loan modification. If you are a resident of CA and have been unemployed you may qualify for the state's Unemployment Mortgage Assistance Program that was launched in January 2011. CA has other mortgage and renter assistance programs besides this one launching in the first 2 weeks of February 2011. Call 888-954-KEEP (5337) to see if you qualify.

If you don't qualify for any of the CA state programs, they will refer you to another national foreclosure prevention hotline to speak with a HUD certified housing counselor who can evaluate your housing options, open lines of communication with mortgage lenders, negotiate a loan modification, and help you with household budgeting, all at no cost. The national foreclosure prevention hotline is 888-995-4673, but remember, if you are a CA resident first call the special number for CA mortgage assistance programs: 888-954-KEEP (5337).