Step One: Contact HEPA to Receive Free Face-to-Face Help.
510-412-9290 ext. 24 (English/ingles) or ext. 29 (Spanish/español)

Contact the Contra Costa Home Equity Preservation Alliance (HEPA) through its lead agency, Community Housing Development Corp. HEPA is a unique, regional collaborative offering families facing foreclosure and related eviction issues a single point of contact and coordinated case management. HEPA brings together the expertise of counseling agencies certified by the federal government (HUD) in Mortgage Delinquency and Default Resolution Counseling with highly skilled legal service providers working closely with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

Step Two: Don’t Delay, Don’t Go it Alone, and Get Sound Advice.
Your house is your home, your family’s castle, and your largest investment, so only get advice from someone whose job is to look out for you. Calling the right person, knowing what to do, and knowing what not to do will help you avoid scams and fraud. 

We recommend you reach HEPA at 510-412-9290 (see “Step 1” above); otherwise, call 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).

This hotline is run by the Homeownership Preservation Foundation. This is not a mortgage company. It is an independent, third-party resource trained to provide you with assistance by telephone. The foundation's website will help you learn more details about this service.

Step Three: Get Organized
When you are getting ready to meet with a housing counselor or lender, it is important to gather and organize your loan-related documents, know your household budget, and know what you can realistically afford. Here are the key documents that your realtor, broker, lender, or title company provided to you at the time you purchased your home: 

• Appraisal Report
• HUD-1 (Settlement Statement)
• Loan Promissory Note (Contract between you and the lender) 
• Property Deed (Shows who the owner is) 
• Purchase and Sale Contract 
• Truth in Lending Statement (TILA)

In addition, make sure to include all written correspondences from your lender, including monthly billing statements and notices.