(HARTFORD) – Connecticut’s distressed homeowners have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with mortgage lenders to explore options regarding loan modifications and foreclosure assistance at a state-sponsored forum on Tuesday Nov. 15, 2011.

The homeowners’ mortgage assistance event was announced at a news conference Thursday by Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Attorney General George Jepsen and Banking Commissioner Howard F. Pitkin, who are sponsoring the free event.

“I encourage any homeowner who is struggling to keep up with their mortgage to take this opportunity to sit down with their lender and explore their options,” said Governor Malloy. “Our hope is that anyone who is at risk of foreclosure will receive the information they need to get back on track.”

Attorney General Jepsen said “The event is a response to the many Connecticut residents who have complained that they are frustrated with the lack of communication, lost paperwork and other customer service issues involved with their loans. We are working with the banks to make sure those issues are addressed.”

Commissioner Pitkin said “The Banking Department has resources available to help homeowners in distress. Those who are unable to attend Tuesday can get help through the Department’s Foreclosure Assistance Hotline and the state’s Foreclosure Mediation Program. The hotline number is 1-877-472-8313.”

Among the banks sending representatives are: Bank of America; Citibank, NA; GMAC Mortgage, LLC; HSBC National Bank USA;  JPMorgan Chase & Co.;  First Niagara Bank; McCue Mortgage; People's United Bank; Webster Bank, NA and Wells Fargo Bank, NA.  Also attending will be HUD-approved housing counselors, representatives of the Connecticut Fair Housing Center, Statewide Legal Services, The Workplace, Inc. and representatives of other state and non-profit agencies.

The mortgage assistance forum is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Boulevard in Hartford. Free parking is available at the Convention Center Garage.

More information about the event, including the information homeowners should bring to help them get answers quickly, is available at www.ct.gov/dob/homeowner, or by calling the Department of Banking at 860-240-8170 or 1-877-472-8313.

Attorney General Jepsen Media Contact:

Twitter: @AGJepsen