SOUTH BEND — Homeowners who can not make their mortgage payments reached out for help Saturday. Foreclosure rates in Indiana have been above the national average for almost a decade.

The Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network held a free workshop at Ivy Tech Community College in South Bend.

"We are similar to Ohio and Michigan with the Midwest. The manufacturing economy since 1999 has been difficult for individuals because of loss of jobs or cut back in the number of hours and my wages have gone down so we have that systemic problem," said David Kaufmann from the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network.

Homeowners could meet with financial advisers and mortgage lenders to look for ways to adjust their payments.

It's what Debra Thurston calls a last ditch effort to save her home.

"We make about $1,600 a month, we have four kids, we are paying $1,300 a month for a house. So how do you live on $300?" she questioned.

Thurston says her adjustable rate mortgage has jumped out of her price range since she bought her home in 2004.

She missed last month's payment and her home is now in foreclosure.

"I can't, I don't have the funds anymore, so this is it. Unless they come up with something in the next week, we are out of our house," Thurston said.

It's a scary scenario, one the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network is trying to help her avoid.

"We have them think about what their options are be it a loan modification, a refinance, a forbearance," said Kaufmann.

While she waited to talk to a mortgage adviser, Thurston took advantage of a financial planning seminar. She is hoping for a chance to turn things around on her home, while taking in as much information as possible for a better financial future.

"I'm trying to build a framework for the future because it's been 10 years of this constantly and I'm done," said Thurston.

Members of the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network say the sooner you contact them the better chance they have to help.

For more information, you can call 1-877-GETHOPE (438-4673) or connect to their website from the link to the left of this story.