September 30, 2008	Contact:  Charla Jackson Peter
For Immediate Release	(502) 564-7630, ext. 454

                                              

First Protect My Kentucky Home Information Fair Held

Vice Mayor Jim Gray and Kentucky Homeownership Protection Center Representatives Help Lexington Area Homeowners

Many Americans are losing their homes, sometimes through no fault of their own.  Lexington homeowners learned valuable information in the fight to save their homes at the first Protect My Kentucky Home Information Fair held last night, Monday, September 29, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lexington.  Information fairs are planned throughout the state to inform Kentuckians about the services available through the Kentucky Homeownership Protection Center (Protection Center), which was established by the 2008 Kentucky General Assembly to help combat the rising foreclosure issues in Kentucky.  Attendees received free counseling on budgeting, reestablishing credit and safe refinancing options.  Lexington homeowners had an opportunity to speak face-to-face with counselors and learn valuable information.

The Protection Center helps provide mortgage options for Kentuckians in danger of losing their homes.  Each homeowner who contacts the Protection Center through the Web site, www.ProtectMyKYHome.org, or through the toll-free number, (866) 830-7868, is referred to a counseling agency serving their area.  That agency reviews the client’s current situation and may assist them in meeting their goals.  Eligible homeowners in danger of foreclosure are referred to Legal Aid for free legal advice.

The Protection Center is a joint effort of the Governor’s Office, the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions, Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) and many other organizations across the state.  The Protection Center is administered by KHC, under the direction of Governor Steve Beshear, to provide support and guidance to homeowners who are in default or in danger of default on their mortgage loan. 

“We have taken a big step tonight in helping Lexington area homeowners,” said Richard L. McQuady, interim chief executive officer of KHC.  “The Protection Center has already helped over 600 people and we are here to help more.  Our job is not done until everyone knows that free help is available.”

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The Kentucky Homeownership Protection Center was established by the 2008 Kentucky General Assembly to address the foreclosure crisis here in Kentucky.  The Kentucky Homeownership Protection Center is a joint effort of the Governor’s Office, the Department of Financial Institutions, Kentucky Housing Corporation and many other agencies and groups across the state.  The Kentucky Homeownership Protection Center is administered by Kentucky Housing Corporation.