With such a great rise in foreclosure caused by a number of factors it's important to know what choices you have when your house seems to be the next in the line and you fear losing everything you have worked so hard for - a dream, a place for family, your cash cow for retirement (though that doesn't hold anymore).

First of all don't panic. Relax. Look at your finances and see if you can do something.

Talk to your lender. It's getting harder to get to a lender as they are getting numerous calls every day but lenders are more likely to listen to you and do something.

Beware of the ads from lawyers and for profit agencies who would charge you 1k, 2k, 10k or even 20k to help you avoid foreclosure but you really don't have to pay them. There are various non-profit organizations that provide the same quality of service as provided by for profit organization in this regard.

Beware of scam artists who would pose as your rescuer and run away with your money adding salt to an injury.

The big question is where can you look for help? Whom can you talk to in your area who can guide you to avoid foreclosure of your house.

Well the good news is that you don't have to look far. Take a look at these governmental and non-profit organizations who help several home owners avoid foreclosures on day to day basis.

Resources

Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure is a good point to start. You can search for a housing counselor in your area from HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies listed state by state.

Neighbor Works America has a list of resources for homeowners facing foreclosures. You can find them at Neighbor Works - Foreclosure Resources.

The most important thing is to somehow hang on. Last two years thousands of people lost their houses in foreclosure because there were no actions from the government, banks and money lenders to ease the pains of home owners. But within last few months we have seen a slew of programs from the government, governors and banks aiming to avoid foreclosures. Lenders are trying to work out new mortgage plans with homeowners to keep them in the house rather than force them out. If you can hang on for a couple of more months maybe something new might come along that will ease your mortgage payment. So just hang on and try to survive it by all possible means.

Talk to a housing counselor, talk to your money lender and just hang on.

Good luck!