KITCHEN ANNOUNCES MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE & PUBLIC UTILITY CLINICS

          PHILADELPHIA, October 17 - Facing foreclosure? Suffering from a predatory mortgage loan? Is your electric service in danger of being shut off? Are you wondering how you’re going to pay your gas bills this winter?

          To help her constituents combat these problems, State Sen. Shirley Kitchen is sponsoring Mortgage Foreclosure and Public Utility Clinics. 

          “Don’t let your family be in the cold this winter,” said Kitchen (D-Philadelphia). “There are solutions. If you face any of these problems or just have some questions, I encourage you to come out for solid advice.”

          The clinics will take place on the following dates:

• Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 1100 W. Rockland St.

• Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at John Hartranft School, 720 W. Cumberland St.

• Saturday, Nov. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Grover Washington Middle School, 201 E. Olney Ave. (B & Olney).

          “This clinic is a wonderful opportunity to get personalized attention and advice from experts, who can get you on the right track,” Kitchen said.

          Authorized representatives from PECO, PGW, Energy Coordinating Agency, Community Legal Services, Water Revenue Bureau and more will be ready to talk one-on-one with visitors.

          PECO, an Exelon Company, is the co-sponsor of this event. PECO is an energy delivery and services company that delivers electricity to 1.5 million customers and natural gas to 450,000 customers in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

          Philadelphia Consumer Attorneys Robert Cocco and Matthew Weisberg will provide legal advice free of charge. They will educate consumers regarding potential pitfalls associated with mortgages and provide consultation on mortgage disputes, mortgage foreclosures, real estate fraud, bankruptcy, and debt collection.

          In the last year, Pennsylvania foreclosures increased by 42%, which is higher than the national average. Across the state, approximately 12,500 homes went into foreclosure during the first quarter of 2006.  In Philadelphia alone, well over 100 homes are listed for Foreclosure Sheriff’s Sale per month.

          “Foreclosure information and advice is of the utmost importance so that consumers can become more educated on the subject,” Kitchen said. “My constituents have the highest percentage of foreclosures in Philadelphia, making this seminar essential for those affected.”