I'm about to be homeless because I lost my house to foreclosure.

I'm about to be homeless because I lost my house to foreclosure.

Losing your home to foreclosure and becoming homeless is a devastating experience. Knowing where to turn or what to do next can be difficult. But there are resources available to help you to help you get back on your feet.

Here are some steps you can take:

1. Know your rights. Do not just leave, you have rights and time before you have to leave, whether you are the homeowner or a tenant, they have to serve you a 90-day notice to vacate before they can take you to court. Most banks, along with most investors will offer you cash for keys, if the house becomes bank-owned, they will offer you the cash for keys with a clause vacant and broom clean, the problem if you leave stuff in the house they do not have to pay you. This can be negotiated, we recommend you get a lawyer if you can't afford one, Call your state bar association and or Legal aid, and ask for a lawyer pro-bono. If the new owner is firm on vacant and broom clean, negotiate for the new owner to put a dumpster on the property, if not and you can't clean out the place, time is money and stay put. To learn more click on this link: https://www.homelesslongisland.org/post/what-is-the-eviction-process-in-suffolk-county-ny Click on this link to learn how to get free legal services.https://www.homelesslongisland.org/post/guides-on-how-individuals-can-access-free-legal-aid-for-issues-such-as-eviction-defense-social-secu

2. You were evicted or moved out. Before you get evicted, if possible start looking for a place to live, hopefully, you will have received anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 cash for keys.

3. Everything fell apart you are now homeless. Find safe and secure housing. This may mean staying with friends or family, going to a homeless shelter, or finding a transitional housing program. There are also many resources available to help you find affordable housing, such as Section 8 and public housing. If you live in Nassau or Suffolk Counties Long Island New York, click on this link: https://www.homelesslongisland.org/homeless-shelters For Veterans: https://www.homelesslongisland.org/veterans

4. Take care of your immediate needs. This includes finding food, clothing, and hygiene supplies. There are many food banks and soup kitchens that can help, and some shelters also provide these services. Nassau and Suffolk NY Food pantries and soup kitchens: https://www.homelesslongisland.org/food-pantries

5. Get help with your finances. This may include finding a job, getting government assistance, or working with a credit counselor to repair your credit. There are many organizations that offer free financial counseling, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

6. Take care of your mental and physical health. Losing your home can be a very stressful and traumatic experience. It's important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. Many organizations offer free or low-cost mental health and healthcare services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Here are some specific resources that may be helpful:

• The National Coalition for the Homeless: This organization provides a variety of resources to help people who are homeless, including a directory of shelters and other services.

• The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): HUD provides a variety of housing assistance programs, including Section 8 and public housing.

• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: This organization provides free financial counseling and other resources to help people struggling with debt.

• The National Foundation for Credit Counseling: This organization offers free and low-cost credit counseling services.

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you are feeling suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

It's important to remember that you are not alone. Many people care about you and want to help. Please reach out to the resources listed above or to other people who you trust for support.

Here are some additional tips for getting back on your feet after losing your home:

• Set realistic goals. Don't try to do too much too soon. Start by focusing on finding a safe place to live and meeting your basic needs. Once you have that under control, you can start thinking about other goals, such as finding a job and rebuilding your credit.

• Be patient. It takes time to recover from a major setback like losing your home. Don't get discouraged if things don't happen as quickly as you would like. Just keep moving forward and don't give up.

Ask for help. Many people are willing to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Don't be afraid to reach out for help when you need it most.