Since 2005, the number of foreclosure filings in Macomb County nearly tripled, going from 2,755 to 8,192, according to recent statistics.

Due to these staggering figures, leaders from the education, financial and mortgage institutions, government and human service sectors held A Forum on Foreclosure to discuss strategies that will help prevent foreclosures in Macomb County, as well as help in the intervention process for those going through foreclosure.

The forum was held Thursday morning at Macomb Community College's Center Campus

"Home foreclosures have increased dramatically in Macomb County," said William Crouchman, chair, Macomb County Board of Commissioners. "It's important to realize how this disturbing trend affects the homeowner and the entire community. We must explore options that help people handle the consequences of foreclosure."

Housing coordinator at Macomb Michigan State University Extension Anne Lilla said community leaders want to know what to say to people who are in foreclosure.

"While our system is not erfect, information about options is available," Lilla said. "This forum will describe possible ways that people can avoid foreclosure or manage it with the least amount of damage."

Some of the objectives of the forum were to:

Enhance education and financial literacy opportunities

Address what's causing the high foreclosure rate and seek prevention solutions

Develop a unified approach among area service providers to assist Macomb County residents faced with foreclosure