The Federal Reserve views the high rate of mortgage foreclosures as an urgent problem. Using the System’s expertise and extensive network of national and regional relationships, the Fed is collaborating with other regulators, community groups, policy organizations, financial institutions and public officials to identify solutions to prevent unnecessary foreclosures and their negative effects.

The goal of this toolkit is to provide resources to assist communities in addressing the current turmoil in the housing market and minimize the impact of foreclosures on neighborhoods. Web links and local resources are included. For more information, contact the Federal Reserve Bank Community Affairs Office in your region.

The resources in this toolkit are presented as a four-step process:

1. Assess the foreclosure situation.
2. Reach troubled homeowners.
3. Establish post-foreclosure support systems.
4. Stabilize neighborhoods.