CHARLOTTE -- Since 1989, United Family Services has been providing foreclosure and mortgage default help. But as the numbers of foreclosures continues to escalate, more help is needed.

"Some people call us and they are real close to losing their home, we’re talking weeks away,” said Bruce Hamlett, director of economic development for United Family Services. “Those folks need to come in to see somebody right away.”

Last year, 9,000 home foreclosures were filed in Mecklenburg County and even more are expected this year. That’s bad news for homeowners, as foreclosed homes can mean decreased property values and increased crime.

United Family Services hopes to curb that trend with the help of a new program that’s financed through a federal grant sponsored by Housing and Urban Development.

"The funds that we received here recently will allow us to talk to and help upwards of 3,000 people in the Mecklenburg County, Union County, Cabarrus County area,” Hamlett said.

The money, about $800,000, is only available until the end of this year, when the program ends.

"We can get them the counseling, we can help them work out the available options a lender can provide to them and we can connect them with local community resources that allow them to deal with the issues they are trying to deal with," said Hamlett.

While the goal is helping homeowners save their homes, Hamlett says there are ways to avoid this situation.

"People have to understand and have to buy into the concept of being financially literate and making sure you understand what you can afford and how much you can afford," he said.

If the program is a success, Housing and Urban Development can decide to renew the grant.