KITCHEN ANNOUNCES MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE CLINICS

          PHILADELPHIA, March 16: If you are facing foreclosure or suffering from a predatory mortgage loan, you are not alone.

          To help you combat these problems, state Sen. Shirley Kitchen is once again sponsoring monthly Mortgage Foreclosure Clinics at her district office.

          The next free clinic will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 31 at the senator’s district office, located at 1701 W. Lehigh Ave., suite 104.

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

          Philadelphia Consumer Attorneys Robert Cocco and Matthew Weisberg will provide legal advice free of charge. Through one-on-one consultations, they provide advice on mortgage disputes, mortgage foreclosures, real estate fraud, bankruptcy, debt collection and more.

          “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 these clinics essential for those affected.”

          Future clinic dates are April 28, May 19, June 30, July 28, Aug. 25, and Oct. 27.

          In the last year, Pennsylvania foreclosures increased by 42 percent, 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.