Where Can I Get Help So That I Don’t Lose My Home? When financial hardship strikes—especially due to sudden job loss or mounting debt—keeping your home becomes a top priority. If you’ve already fallen behind on credit card payments and are now worried about foreclosure, know that you have options. Whether you’re considering bankruptcy or exploring other forms of mortgage assistance, acting swiftly can make a major difference.
Here’s how to get help so you don’t lose your home.
Consider Chapter 13 Bankruptcy to Stop Foreclosure
If you’re seriously behind on your bills and facing foreclosure, one of the most effective legal tools to stop it is filing for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Why Chapter 13 Works:
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It stops foreclosure immediately due to an automatic stay issued by the court.
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It allows you to restructure your mortgage payments and catch up on arrears over a 3- to 5-year period.
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It includes your credit card and other unsecured debt, helping reduce overall financial pressure.
This form of bankruptcy is specifically designed for people with a regular income who want to keep their assets—like a home—but need time and a structured plan to catch up on overdue payments.
Before filing, consult a qualified bankruptcy attorney who can walk you through the pros, cons, and legal process involved. Also, be sure that Chapter 13 is realistic for your current income and long-term housing goals.
Re-Evaluate Your Financial Situation
While saving your home is understandably a major priority, now is also the time to have a hard conversation with yourself about what’s financially sustainable.
Ask:
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Am I currently employed or able to work?
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Can we afford to keep the home on one income?
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Have our housing costs exceeded 30–35% of our monthly income?
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Have we been using credit cards to maintain an unaffordable lifestyle?
If you find that your home has become a financial burden rather than a shelter, it might be worth considering other solutions, including downsizing or temporarily renting.
Get Help from a HUD-Approved Housing Counselor
Before you take any legal step, reach out to a HUD-certified housing counseling agency. These counselors provide free or low-cost services that help homeowners:
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Understand their mortgage and payment options
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Create sustainable budgets
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Communicate effectively with lenders to seek loan modifications
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Explore forbearance or refinancing programs
Where to Find Help:
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Visit HUD.gov
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Call 1-800-569-4287 to speak with a housing counselor in your area
These organizations are nonprofit, and they exist to help people just like you stay in their homes whenever possible.
The Bottom Line
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to lose your home just because you’ve hit a rough patch. With the right legal protections like Chapter 13 bankruptcy, and support from HUD-approved housing counselors, you can take control of your finances and protect your most valuable asset.
Remember, the sooner you act, the more options you’ll have.
FAQs: Where Can I Get Help So That I Don’t Lose My Home?
Can bankruptcy help me save my home?
Yes, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can halt foreclosure and help you catch up on missed payments over time while keeping your home.
How do I know if Chapter 13 is right for me?
It depends on your income, debt level, and ability to commit to a multi-year repayment plan. A bankruptcy attorney can assess your eligibility and options.
Where can I get mortgage help?
Start with a HUD-approved housing counselor, who can help you apply for loan modifications, forbearance, or other assistance programs.
What if I can’t afford my home anymore?
Sometimes, letting go of an unaffordable home is the best financial decision. Housing counselors can help you explore all options, including short sales or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.
Are HUD counseling services free?
Yes, many services are free or available at a very low cost through nonprofit agencies certified by HUD.
