Trouble paying mortgage? Cash available

Though there are signs the U.S. economy is getting stronger in some respects, many homeowners are still at risk of losing their jobs or taking pay cuts, and having trouble making mortgage payments.

State officials, including Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline, joined together Monday morning to spotlight cash available from the Hardest Hit Fund Rhode Island for homeowners in need.

HHFRI, as it's known, is providing $79 million to the state from the federal Department of the Treasury to put solutions in place to prevent foreclosures, according to a release from Rhode Island Housing. Although the quasi-public agency has already reserved nearly half of its program funds in assistance, there's still cash available, and help if you need it. Often you can get a loan modification or mortgage payment assistance.

"Until we gain traction in our housing market, we will not be able to anchor a sustainable economic recovery that actually reaches and touches the middle-class. We need to be proactive in preventing foreclosures, and the Hardest Hit Fund is bringing relief to Rhode Island homeowners hit hardest by the foreclosure crisis," Sen. Reed said in the news release.

• For more information on HHFRI or help available, visit www.HHFRI.org, call (401) 277-1500, or email info@HHFRI.org .