City Leaders Search for Solution to Foreclosures

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Two years ago, Bernetha Wise bought her first home. Now she might lose it to foreclosure.

Wise's story is why Jacksonville city leaders and community members came together for the second time on Tuesday, to discuss possible solutions to the city's foreclosure problem.

According to Forbes Magazine, the river city is on track to be the foreclosure capital of the United States this year.

Wise knows how difficult a foreclosure can be for a homeowner.

"It has been a very emotional experience -- not knowing from day to day when they're going to come and bang on your door and tell you to leave," said Wise.

The 63-year-old, who is on disability, couldn't afford her house payments after her ex-husband stopped his alimony payments.

Wise is now getting free help from Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.

Council member Kevin Hyde says the foreclosure problem must be addressed now, before it gets worse.

Each month, Hyde says 1,000 properties go into foreclosure in Jacksonville.

"In Jacksonville, it's anticipated that one in every six properties will go into foreclosure this year," Hyde said.

For Bernetha Wise, the foreclosure process is a long one but she hopes to keep her house thanks to the help of Legal Aid.

To learn more about Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, click here.

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