Georgetown, Del., March 8, 2011: Home foreclosures have unfortunately become a far too common occurrence in the economy of recent years. However, Sussex County housing officials and other experts are working to change that through education.

The Sussex County Community Development & Housing office will co-host a foreclosure prevention seminar from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at the Dagsboro Church of God, 32224 Dupont Boulevard, in Dagsboro. Gerry Kelly of the Delaware State Bank Commissioner’s Office will serve as guest speaker, joining numerous housing counselors, attorneys, and other financial specialists to help those facing home foreclosure.

The seminar will serve to educate the public on financial literacy, provide information on the foreclosure timeline in Delaware, and highlight various state and federal programs available to those in need of assistance, said Brandy Bennett, Sussex County housing coordinator.

Foreclosures have risen sharply in Delaware in the past three years. In Sussex County alone, the number of foreclosures increased 57% between 2008 and 2010. In response, officials launched a series of prevention seminars to educate homeowners and reverse the trend.

This seminar is one of two to be held this month. The Delaware Attorney General’s Office will hold a similar session from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, at the Milford Senior Center.

For more information, contact Sussex housing coordinator Brandy Bennett at (302) 855-7777.

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