To the editor:

Each day, more Americans are struggling to make ends meet and make their mortgage payments on time due to job loss, unforeseen medical bills, divorce or even changes in their mortgage agreement that increase their monthly payments. Although Kansas has not experienced mortgage default and foreclosure rates nearly as high as some other states across the country, at Housing and Credit Counseling Inc. (HCCI), we receive phone calls every day from homeowners needing counseling due to mortgage default issues.

We encourage anyone who knows they will be or are currently having problems making their mortgage payments on time to call their mortgage lender immediately, explain the situation and try to negotiate a modification to your current mortgage terms. You can also call HCCI at 1-800-383-0217 and talk to one of our certified counselors for assistance.

Also, the federal government has launched a new Web site for consumers seeking information about the Obama administration’s “Making Home Affordable” loan modification and refinancing program. The site, www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov, offers features including interactive self-assessment tools that will empower borrowers to determine if they’re eligible to participate and calculate the monthly mortgage payment reductions they could stand to realize under the program.

It is anticipated that the program could assist as many as 7 million to 9 million Americans. There is no reason consumers in northeast Kansas should not take advantage of the assistance available under this new program.