Union Plus "Save My Home" Hotline

The National Association of Home Builders said its housing market index, which tracks expectations for home sales over the next six months, fell to the lowest level since the index began in January 1985. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, in a speech at Georgetown University’s law school this week, said the housing market slump is persisting for longer than expected and appears likely to “continue to adversely impact our economy, our capital markets and many homeowners for some time yet.”

As the U.S. housing crisis worsens, a "Save My Home" hotline has been set up by Union Plus to help union families address their worries and uncertainties about what to do when their adjustable-rate mortgages reset and other concerns.

Union Plus, the AFL-CIO endorsed provider of financial benefits for union members, says the free, confidential hotline will be staffed 24 hours a day by counselors from Money Management International, a nonprofit, HUD-certified agency. Face-to-face counseling is available at more than 100 offices in 22 states and Washington, D.C.

The Save My Home Hotline can advise homeowners who are behind in their payments, already in foreclosure or looking for ways to budget and restructure their debt. The toll-free number is (866) 490-5361. More information is available online at www.unionplus.org.