Georgetown, Del., July 14, 2009: Foreclosure can spell trouble for any homeowner, but it doesn’t have to spell the end of homeownership.

With that in mind, the Sussex County Department of Community Development & Housing will host a free foreclosure prevention seminar from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2009, at the Millsboro Fire Company, 109 E. State St., in Millsboro. The event is open to the public, and guests may visit at any time between 2 and 8 p.m.

So far this year, Delaware has continued to experience a high number of foreclosure filings statewide, a trend that began in early 2008. This past February, Sussex County recorded 132 filings, a 123 percent increase from February 2008. Officials hope to reverse that trend through public education.

Gerry Kelly of the Office of State Bank Commissioner will discuss the foreclosure timeline in Delaware, various options available to people behind in their mortgage payments, and the latest information on programs available to residents.

In addition to Mr. Kelly, foreclosure counselors will be available to field questions from homeowners. There also will be an opportunity to have one-on-one sessions with the specialists after the seminar. For more information, call (302) 855-7777.

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