If you are confronted by the possibility of home foreclosure, you aren't alone. Far from It! Unfortunately, foreclosure rates throughout the United States are at their highest levels in decades.

Fortunately, however, you don't have to face that ugly threat alone, without hope or potential recourse. Residents of Oak Park and other Michigan cities can turn to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MHSDA) "Save the Dream Campaign," a service that will connect them with a statewide network of home ownership counselors.

Oak Park's City Council, in response to the ongoing home ownership crisis, has directed that this "lifeline" be publicized in The Oak Park Report and via municipal cable television for the benefit of any and all residents who are worried about a looming foreclosure.

"If you are having financial problems, don't risk losing your home; there are options available," the MHSDA states. Our Save the Dream hotline (866-946-7432) directs homeowners to a counselor in their county who specializes in foreclosure prevention.

"Examples of the kinds of help that might be provided include a second mortgage program for current MHSDA borrowers, and a new refinance program available to eligible homeowners."

Another potential source is the Home Ownership Preservation Foundation, an independent non-profit that provides HUD-approved counselors who are dedicated to helping homeowners, free of charge. These counselors are experts in foreclosure prevention and are trained to set up individually-designed action plans for specific situations.

The foundation urges any persons who believe they are in danger of foreclosure to call its number: 888-995-HOPE. Its literature states that "Since 2002, our counselors have provided advice and education to more than 300,000 homeowners."

Following is a list of additional reputable agencies -- all located in Oakland County -- that may be of assistance to you in a foreclosure crisis.

The Oakland County Housing Counselor (248-858-5402) will explain to you and your family, "at no charge and no obligation," a federal program called a reverse mortgage, which can help under certain circumstances.

Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit (248-559-1500) provides senior counselors who "can help older homeowners consider options and link with resources."

Catholic Social Services of Oakland (248-548-4048, ext. 3112) "will assist older homeowners dealing with delinquent taxes to assess their particular situation, explore all possible solutions and link those homeowners with needed community resources."

Community Services of Oakland (248-542-5860) offers applicants “help on options for tax payments and links with other resources. Financial assistance for property taxes is available for low-income residents of southern Oakland County"

Lighthouse Community Development (248-920-6200) "provides home ownership information and training of a general nature, and personal financial counseling to help restructure debt and rebuild credit."

Area Agency on Aging (1-800-852-7795) "helps older adults and family members locate age-related services in Oakland County"

Oakland-Livingston Human Service Agency (248-209-2686) "can provide assistance with property taxes for persons with low incomes, and may also help with utility bills, food, household items and emergency home repairs."

Family Independence Agency (248-975-4885) "offers programs that may help to pay all or a portion of delinquent taxes to prevent property tax foreclosure."

Save the Dream MSHDA's Save the Dream Campaign includes helpful information on our Web site that assists homeowners who are experiencing financial difficulties or facing foreclosure, our statewide network of homeownership counselors, a second mortgage program to assist current MSHDA borrowers, and refinance programs available to eligible homeowners.

Save Money This site will provide you access to all the different resources that the SOM provides to help you strech every dollar as far as possible.

NOTE: There are undoubtedly a number of reputable agencies not listed here. However, if you are contacted by a person or business that is not mentioned above, you can request information about the caller's credentials from the Oakland County Housing Counselor (248-858-5402).