Important Resources

Annual CreditReport.com is the official site to help consumers to obtain their free credit report. This central site allows you to request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax - www.equifax.com Experian - www.experian.com TransUnion - transunion.com

The Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) is a member-supported national association representing non-profit credit counseling companies that provide consumer credit counseling, debt management, and financial education services. The AICCCA provides high-value services designed to establish equilibrium between consumers, creditors, and member agencies for the successful rehabilitation of debt-challenged families and individuals.

Insurance eligibility and pricing decisions are based in part on reports obtained from consumer reporting agencies related to loss history. If your insurance company has sent you an adverse action letter or taken any of the following actions:

• Denied You Insurance
• Increased Your Rates
• Limited Your Coverage
• Cancelled Your Policy

You are entitled to a free copy of your consumer file which can be ordered through ChoicePoint's Consumer Disclosure Center.

Debt Advice is designed to help consumers understand the wise use of credit and locate a caring, certified counselor if they are in need of assistance. This website is supported by the members of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NHCC).

Toll-free fair housing complaint line. Discrimination complaints can also be filed by using HUD's online form at www.hud.gov/fairhousing.

Specific information for individuals who are veterans of military service. Information on housing, VA loans, medical benefits, VA/Government employment information and special program for veterans.

Are leaky ducts draining your heating or cooling budget? In a typical home, 20% of the air passing through a duct system is wasted because of leaks. There's an easy solution: seal them! If you're replacing your heating or cooling equipment, it's a great time to seal your ducts. Energy Trust makes it affordable with cash incentives: Duct sealing incentive - up to $400. Duct testing incentive - $50. If you install a high-efficiency furnanace and test and seal your ducts, you could receive a bonus of up to $125, on top of all other incentives. Look under Homes/Existing Homes/Cash Incentives/Weatherization/Duct Sealing.

Are you having trouble keeping up with your mortgage payments? Have you received a notice from your lender asking you to contact them? Don't ignore the letters from your lender Contact your lender immediately Contact a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency Toll FREE (800) 569-4287 TTY (800) 877-8339

Identity theft is becoming a huge problem in the United States. Everyone is encouraged to be alert to the use of their Social Security Number

Every client of NFCC member agencies receives comprehensive money management services based on their individual needs. Members provide free and/or affordable services, which are offered in-person or by phone. Many agencies also offer Web-based services. Housing counseling is also provided by many members for consumers who want to purchase homes and those who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments.

The PRLHCP is a partnership between the City of Portland Bureau Housing and Community Development and the Portland Development Commission. Funding is provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Lead Hazard Control Grant Program. Lead-based paint was used in many homes built prior to 1978. When lead-based paint is disturbed through remodeling, daily wear and tear on doors, windows and other painted surfaces, or deteriorated by age, it creates dust. It is this dust that can poison children. Even a small amount of dust can be enough to harm a child. The Portland Regional Lead Hazard Control Program provides a free evaluation of lead hazards AND financial assistance to reduce lead-based paint hazards in housing occupied by qualified low and moderate income households.

This website provides good information about recognizing Mortgage Fraud. The website also has a link to Report Abusive Lending.