MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - For many Mid-South homeowners, making the mortgage payment is still tough. In fact, according to a national trade association, the number of homeowners 30-days behind on their payments or more, is on the rise for the first time in more than a year.
The Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America is hosting a workshop in downtown Memphis from Friday to Tuesday.
NACA counselors meet with home owners in a counseling session. From there, NACA helps homeowners apply for loan modifications.
"The goal is to get people back into a situation where they can afford their mortgage and keep their home for the long term," said Detria Russell, NACA's Chief Operating Officer.
Lillian Fleming, a Cordova homeowner, showed up looking to lower her $2,800 monthly mortgage payments.
"We know we had to do something," Fleming said.
Faced with a drop of income, Fleming says she and her husband struggled to make their monthly mortgage payments.
"We had fallen behind on our payments and we just needed some relief," she said.
Working with NACA, and representatives of Bank of America, NACA was able to lower her monthly payments to around $1,800.
"I can sleep good tonight," a smiling Fleming said.
Shelia Lott showed up at the Cook Convention Center needing some good news.
"I just lost my job on Monday of last week," Lott said.
After managing a doctor's office for the last 8 years, Lott needed help lowering her $1,500 mortgage.
"I'm not so concerned about finding a job because I'm sure I will, but I didn't want to lose my home and my job," she said.
Fleming was able to lower her payments to $1,200.
NACA's American Dream Event goes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through August 14 in the Memphis Cook Convention Center's South Hall. The workshop is free.
