State officials are trying to help Hoosier families save their homes. That is after a study by the Mortgage Bankers Association found that nearly 3% of all loans in Indiana are in foreclosure... that is more than twice the national rate.

Last spring, lawmakers passed a bill to establish a statewide program to provide free mortgage foreclosure counseling and education to at-risk homeowners.

Now officials have launched a web site and a telephone hotline to help those who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments.

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority is also targeting Hoosiers facing foreclosure with a public awareness campaign called "Don't let the walls foreclose in on you."

Officials say a recent study shows urban areas are the hardest hit by foreclosure and those areas are spreading each year.

Indiana trails only Ohio's foreclosure rate. Officials hope the free mortgage counseling can combat that.

If you need help the hotline is available 7 days a week... The number is 1-877-get-hope.

Or you can log onto the website... The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority