The Best Of Celebrities In 2009!
Jun 25, 2009 8:19 pm US/Eastern
Basketball Stars Focus On Homes Off The Court
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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Off the court: Alonzo Mourning (left) and Dwayne Wade (right) are teaming up to help people facing foreclosure access information.
CBS
Miami Heat Superstars Dwyane Wade and Alonzo Mourning hit the road Thursday with an important message: If you're at risk of losing your home because you can't keep up with all your bills, there's affordable help to fight foreclosure.
Dwyane Wade says he joined the group because, "We all know about the tough economic times and people losing their homes and we want to lend our names to help the cause."
They brought their "Bringing Hope Home Motorcade" to Miami-Gardens to meet Flora Johnson. She risked losing her home when she couldn't keep up with her almost $1,700 a month mortgage.
She paid a local community group just $12 to negotiate temporary monthly payments down to about $900 a month. She still has to stay current for three months.
Johnson smiled as she added, "Through Neighborhood Services I just paid $12 to have them help me renegotiate a lower rate. Other businesses charge hundreds or more for the same thing. I got my loan reduced almost in half, but I have to stay current for three months before I can get a permanent reduction for the life of the loan."
The group also warned about the growing scams charging local residents hundreds of dollars for help they can get almost free to keep their homes.
While Flora Johnson is happy to get her loan payments reduced, she was almost speechless about being tag-teamed by the Miami Heat for an afternoon she'll never forget.
"Mr. Alonzo Mourning, Mr. Dwyane Wade in my neighborhood visiting me and my family, it's amazing," said Johnson.
While volunteer groups are helping families keep their homes, remember to never sign any paperwork without first having it checked out by your local bank, financial advisor or close friend.
The nationwide campaign will reach residents through a bus tour as part of the Hope Now Alliance's "Bringing Hope Home." The bus has already stopped in Atlanta and Newark.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Stars Celebrating The Big 4-0 In 2009
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