More homeowners than ever before are teetering on the edge of foreclosure.

In response, organizations at all levels - local, state, and federal - are working to help vulnerable homeowners stay in their homes.

Here in Oregon, Oregon Housing and Community Services (a state department) has used federal funds to create the Homeownership Stabilization Initiative (OHSI) to help homeowners across the state.

OHSI's first initiative, the Mortgage Payment Assistance Program, is now available to help 5,000 unemployed or financially distressed homeowners keep up with their mortgages for up to a year.

The application process is open until next Friday, January 14 - so far, the number of applications received is lower than expected, and the program is guaranteed to help 5,000 homeowners.

One of our trusted local partners, Hacienda CDC, is working to help homeowners through this application process. They're set up at the Lloyd Center Doubletree Hotel (1000 NE Multnomah) from 9 am to 9 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am to 5 pm Saturdays. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encourages: call (503) 961-6432 for more.

Hacienda CDC has been offering foreclosure counseling for more than 2 years, helping struggling homeowners in our community stay in their homes.

Thanks to flickr user dalylab for the photo