Free housing event aims to help residents prevent foreclosure



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- More than 4,700 houses in Milwaukee are in foreclosure but a free event on Thursday, July 25th, aims help people avoid losing their homes.

The City and "Take Root Milwaukee" are pairing up with housing counselors to get residents help before their homes go into foreclosure.

"This event is only as good as the people who participate. We want everyone who has a question and who is in need to come," said Alderman Jose Perez.

Organizers say the event can get homeowners back on track and may even help with their loan payments.

"Some of the people who come to the event will be able to walk away from the event with a loan modification in their hand," said Bethany Sanchez of the Metro Milwaukee Fair Housing Council.

Residents in neighborhoods with growing numbers of foreclosed homes say there is only so much they can do to keep things looking fresh.

"I'm trying to keep everything clean around my church home," said neighbor Tim Edwards. "So much work needs to be done."

The event is being held at Bruce Guadalupe Middle School from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The City also passed new legislation on Tuesday, July 23rd, to change the way homeowners pay for city fees and property taxes in the hopes of reducing the amount of foreclosures.