Two Trumbull County groups are working together to help battle foreclosures. The group has been recognized nationally for its unique tactics against unfair lenders. Tonight, we explain how it's helping homeowners in this area.  Can a combined effort between the Trumbull County Save Our Homes Task Force and Empowering and Strengthening Ohio's People or (E-S-O-P) finally be a solution to Trumbull County's housing crisis.  Well E.S.O.P. has made strides the past decade and even national headlines for its unique and successful tactics against unfair lenders.

Lisa-Freeman-Williamson, Warren E.S.O.P. Director;  "WHAT WE DO IS CALLED DIRECT ACTION HITS. AGAIN WE'LL HAVE OUR POCKETS FULL OF PLASTIC SHARKS, MAYBE EVEN HAVE SOMEONE DRESSED UP AS A SHARK. SO WE'LL THROW OUT OUR SHARKS AND THEN JUST COME IN AND ASK THEM TO CALL THEIR CEO AND DO A MEETING."

E.S.O.P. started 15-years-ago in Cleveland as a localized effort.  In the late 90s, the project focused on predatory lending, and foreclosure prevention in Cuyahoga County. With the rash of foreclosure in recent years, the program has expanded to cover the entire state of Ohio, which has the fifth highest foreclosure rate in the entire country.

Lisa;  "WHAT WE HAVE DONE IS WENT DIRECTLY TO THE LENDERS TO WORKOUT WHAT WE CALL EITHER MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING OR RELATIONSHIPS AND AGREEMENTS.  SO THAT WE CAN HAVE A POINT OF CONTACT FOR OUR HOMEOWNERS"

Warren Mayor Michael O'Brien says foreclosures are detrimental to the progress of any neighborhood, and these types of organizations, with the cooperation of banks, help citizens get foreclosure situations under control.

"THE IMPORTANT ISSUE WITH THIS ESOP IS THE FACT THAT IT'S IRREGARDLESS OF YOUR INCOME AND IT'S MORE IN YOU'RE FINANCIAL ABILITY TO PAY YOUR MORTGAGES.  WHAT THIS WOULD DO IS BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY."

And the group says this fight is vitally important in this area, because the foreclosure rate in Trumbull County has increased five-hundred percent in the last ten years.

If you missed tonight's meeting, the next one is scheduled for June 4th at the Packard Park Shelter house.