Foreclosure Filings In Philadelphia Area On The Rise

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There is more than a 30 percent increase in foreclosure filings in the Philadelphia area than this time last year and experts are expecting it to rise.

CLARIFI provides foreclosure counseling in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Patricia Hasson is the nonprofits president.

"And if they work with a housing councilor they can get into a program like HAMP (Home Affordable Modification Program) which is a technical term, but it's a modification program that will allow them to stay in their home at potentially reduced interests longer terms."

Hasson says a major reason why foreclosures are on the rise in Pennsylvania is the elimination of the state's HEMAP-- Home Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program, that program stops the foreclosure process while homeowners considered options. She is hoping that lawmakers will reinstate that program in the future.

For more information, visit http://clarifi.org/.