Sen. Bond says mortgage counselors can stem foreclosures

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Republican Sen. Kit Bond says a new training program for mortgage counselors is the best way to keep Missouri residents from losing their homes in foreclosure.

Bond spoke at a regional training conference for mortgage counselors in downtown St. Louis. The training program is funded by a $180 million federal program to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.

Mortgage counselors help homeowners bargain with mortgage lenders if the homeowners get behind in their payments.

Bond says 57,000 Missouri residents are currently delinquent in their mortgage payments.