A special non-profit foreclosure workshop, "Save the Block Party" (www.savetheblockparty.org - official event website) will be held Fairfax, VA on Saturday Sept. 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST.  This is a unique event that relieves the stress involved in foreclosure with family fun, wholesome activities, free food and a friendly atmosphere.

The event is hosted by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (http://www.ncrc.org/) and also features participating groups HOPE NOW (www.hopenow.com) and PMI Mortgage Insurance Co. (www.homesafepmi.com).  The block party style event will feature family activities, barbecue and a relaxing atmosphere in which homeowners facing foreclosure can meet in-person with representatives from dozens of the nation's leading lenders.  In these meetings, homeowners at risk of foreclosure can find out the many alternatives available to foreclosure and potentially save their home.

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition has successfully helped hundreds of families in this event series targeting the nation's most at-risk real estate markets.  Homeowners seeking more information on the Fannie May and Freddie Mac take-over  - and how this might affect their individual mortgages - are also encouraged to attend.  The event is free of charge but everyone is strongly advised to arrive early.

Full details are as follows:

What:               "Save the Block Party" Foreclosure Prevention Workshop 

                        www.savetheblockparty.org

                        Questions and Directions: 1-800-846-0140

When:              Saturday, September 20 2008 - 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST

Where:             Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Parkway

Fairfax, VA 22035

Lenders:          Representatives from most of the nation's leading lenders

RSVP:              First-come, first served - arrive early, space is limited!  Suggested early arrival two hours BEFORE the event begins without reservations. 

Media:             Mark Lindsey, The Abernathy MacGregor Group

                        (213) 630-6550 / msl@abmac.com

                        Please contact me to request an interview with one of our local real estate or foreclosure experts or an on-site spokesperson.

Homeowners who need help, but are unable to attend the event, are encouraged to:

•·         Contact the  HOPE NOW Alliance at 1.888.995.HOPE (4673)

•·         Contact their lender directly

•·         Access free information about options and alternatives to foreclosure at www.HomeSafePMI.com

In a casual, sit-down conference with a lender, homeowners can find solutions to foreclosure they often are unaware may be available to them.  Our Risk Index Survey shows the widespread economic impact of the real estate downturn, with several markets in California and Florida at the highest nationwide risk level for severely declining property values by 2010.