BRIDGEPORT – Connecticut’s distressed homeowners have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with mortgage lenders to explore options regarding loan modifications and foreclosure assistance at a state-sponsored forum in Bridgeport on Thursday, March 29, 2012.

A homeowners’ mortgage assistance event was announced at a news conference Monday by Attorney General George Jepsen and Banking Commissioner Howard F. Pitkin, who are sponsoring the free event with Governor Dannel P. Malloy. They were joined by Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch.

 “I encourage any homeowner who is struggling to keep up with their mortgage to take this opportunity to sit down with their lender and explore their options,” said Governor Malloy. “Our hope is that anyone who is at risk of foreclosure will receive the information they need to get back on track.”

Attorney General Jepsen said real progress has been made for Connecticut homeowners since the last state-sponsored foreclosure assistance event held in Hartford in November.

 “The banks have stepped up efforts to give customers a single point-of contact for questions and answers about their accounts and loan modification or refinancing options,” Jepsen said. “The $25 billion federal-state settlement with the five largest loan servicers will make more refinancing assistance available and ensure better service for their customers in Connecticut.”

“We hope those in default on their mortgage loans face the problem and come to the event on Thursday,” said Commissioner Pitkin. “The Banking Department has resources available to help homeowners in distress.  Those who are unable to attend can get help through the Department’s Foreclosure Assistance Hotline and the state’s Foreclosure Mediation Program. The hotline number is 1-877-472-8313.”

Mayor Bill Finch said, "This event is a great opportunity for Bridgeport residents to sit down and meet with an expert who can listen to their concerns and provide them with the necessary guidance during these tough times. We want to keep our residents in their homes, stabilize our neighborhoods and keep our communities safe. I encourage all Bridgeport residents who may be having problems with their mortgage to attend this event. We support, and thank, Governor Malloy and Attorney General Jepsen for hosting this event in Bridgeport, where so many of our residents were taken advantage of by unscrupulous lenders."

Among the banks sending representatives are: Bank of America; Citibank; First Niagara Bank; GMAC Mortgage; HSBC National Bank USA; Indymac/OneWest; JPMorgan Chase & Co.; Ocwen Loan Servicing; People's United Bank; PNC Mortgage; Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc.; Sun Trust Mortgage; U.S. Bank Home Mortgage; Webster Bank; and Wells Fargo Bank.  Also attending will be HUD-approved housing counselors, representatives of the Connecticut Fair Housing Center, Statewide Legal Services, The Workplace, Inc. and representatives of other state and non-profit agencies.

The mortgage assistance forum is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport.  Parking is free in the Outdoor Surface Lots directly across from the Webster Arena and Harbor Yard.

More information about the event, including the information homeowners should bring to help them get answers quickly, is available at www.ct.gov/dob/homeowner, or by calling the Department of Banking at 860-240-8170 or 1-877-472-8313.