Suffolk creates hotline for homeowners facing foreclosure

Suffolk County has established a new hotline connecting homeowners at risk of foreclosure with free housing counseling and legal services.

Residents can call 631-853-4663 (631-853-HOME) to get help preventing foreclosure and mitigating the effects of foreclosure court proceedings, officials said Thursday during a news conference. The announcement came from Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory (D-Amityville) and Legis. Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood).

The following groups have agreed to provide services at no cost, county officials said: American Debt Resources, Community Development Corp. of Long Island, Empire Justice Center, Long Island Housing Partnership, Long Island Housing Services, Nassau/Suffolk Law Services and New York Legal Assistance Group.

By Maura McDermott

maura.mcdermott@newsday.commauramcdermott

Maura McDermott covers education. Since joining Newsday in 2012, she also has worked on the investigations team and covered real estate and the business of health care.