Congressman Hank Johnson (Ga.-04) is holding a pre-foreclosure town hall called "Saving the Dream" Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Salem Bible Church, 5460 Hillandale Drive in Lithonia.

"People in our District have been rocked by high foreclosure rates for years, tearing at the fabric of our neighborhoods and communities," said Johnson, whose Congressional District includes Rockdale County.

By bringing lenders and struggling homeowners to the same table, Johnson said he hopes to stem the tide of foreclosures that has plagued the Fourth District.

"To help rein in this wave of foreclosures, I’ve invited distinguished guests – but more importantly mortgage lenders – to begin the process of rewriting some of these sub-prime loans that have caused so much pain," he said.

Constituents who are behind on their mortgage will be able to begin the process of having their eligible loans rewritten or participate in workshops and counseling sessions depending on their needs.

Johnson encourages community leaders, pastors, neighborhood associations and public officials to come out and take the pre-foreclosure information back to their communities.

"You may not be in trouble, but you probably know someone who is," said Johnson. "Reach out to them or come yourself to gather invaluable information you can take back to your neighbors."

Individuals who need to have their mortgages rewritten should bring a hardship letter that explain the reason the homeowner is requesting a loan modification, recent pay check stubs, tax returns, property tax bill if it is included in the mortgage, a homeowner’s insurance bill if it is not included in the mortgage, bank statements from the last two months and mortgage documents.

Presentations on the Homeowner Affordability & Stability Plan, the Neighborhood Stabilization Plan and homeowners’ rights during the eviction process also are a part of the agenda.

Salem Bible Church is located at 5460 Hillandale Drive, Lithonia, 30058. For more information, e-mail Betty Dixon at betty.dixon@mail.house.gov or call her at 770-987-2291.