SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- The state says hundreds of counselors and legal eagles have now become experts in, let's call it, Housing 101.

"We really didn't need to have this cadre of professionals working in this field before because there wasn't such a crisis," said Deborah VanAmerongen, the commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal.

Recognizing that crisis has come upon us, the state earmarked $25 million in last year’s budget for the Subprime Foreclosure Prevention Services Program. A year later, with their training complete, counselors are now available in each of the state's 62 counties.

"There are some unscrupulous people out there saying that they can help their mortgage but for a fee," said VanAmerongen. "You should not pay anyone for these services. These services are available for free."

"It was recently announced that the program will receive $25 million in this year's budget," said VanAmerogen. "The state is currently figuring out how to best spend those resources. Meanwhile, the newly trained counselors and legal service providers are teaching homeowners not to let desperation cloud their judgment."

"The tendency is for homeowners in distress is to put it aside and not want to deal with it," said Stephanie Galvin, a manager for the Housing Counseling Program. "But everyone, regardless of your loan type, is entitled to a settlement conference, so if you seek services through housing counseling services or legal services you can get into and ask for a settlement conference with the courts.”

The state says even if you've been able to ride the economic tide so far, consider getting a financial checkup through the program. After all, your tax dollars paid for it.

For more information, log on to: www.dhcr.state.ny.us/programs/foreclosureprevention/ or call (866) 760-3745.

Albany area residents: check out the Capital Region Housing Fair at the Albany Public Library on May 2 (Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.