Workshop To Help Struggling Home Owners

Wells Fargo is reaching out to Coachella Valley home owners struggling to keep up with their mortgage and even those already in foreclosure.

The Home Preservation Workshop, which is free, is set to be held Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ontario Convention Center, 20000 East Convention Center Way in Ontario.

"With Wells Fargo we're really passionate about giving back to the community and help keep our customers in their houses," said Joseph Mishriki, regional president of the Desert Border Region, from a branch on El Paseo in Palm Desert.

The bank invited up to 19,000 home owners from Riverside and San Bernardino counties, which has been hard hit by the economic downturn.

"We'll take anyone from any process, from some who are anticipating to see some type of challenge to customers who are upside down, from customers who are investors and don't want to mess their credit up, to families that are in their homes and are afraid to lose their homes," Mishriki said.

More than 100 reps -- some bilingual -- will be there, and some Wells Fargo customers can expect answers if possible, he said.

He said that less than 2 percent of homeowners are in a situation where "they need some help."

A representative with a specialty in helping military families will also be there, as well as six non-profits.

Walk-ins are welcome, and customers were asked to bring all items on the checklist above. Those who are facing financial difficulties were asked to call 1-800-678-7986 for more information about options to avoid foreclosure.

Another event is set for March 14-15 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Los Angeles Convention Center at 1201 Figueroa St. in Los Angeles.