ALBANY – Westchester County ranks fifth in terms of foreclosures in the state, Orange County ranks 10th, Rockland County ranks 11th, and Putnam County ranks 16th.

As a result, the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal has announced grants totaling $1.5 million to organizations to help homeowners avoid foreclosures and potential homelessness, said spokesman James Plastiras:

“The money is awarded through the Housing Trust Fund Corporation to not-for-profit housing agencies, housing counselors across the state, and they provide education, financial counseling and in some cases, legal representation, to vulnerable homeowners with subprime mortgages that are in danger of foreclosure,” he said.

Westchester Residential Opportunities, Inc. will receive $612,590 to partner with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley to provide services to Westchester. They expect to provide services to 1,589 homeowners.

The Orange County Rural Development Advisory Corp., will receive $500,000 in partnership with a number of agencies to provide services to 1,750 homeowners.

The Rockland Housing Action Coalition, Inc., will receive $388,500 in partnership with a number of other agencies to provide assistance to 750 homeowners.

Statewide, the Division of Housing and Community Renewal will fund $3.5 million to help at least 10,000 homeowners avoid foreclosure.