Foreclosure in America has been a growing and prominent problem recently and has destroyed the hopes and dreams of many Americans. More than 2.3 million homes were foreclosed on in 2008, and it is estimated that four million homes will be foreclosed on by the end of this year. Despite the efforts of many banks and credit companies, more than half of the homes that have received their help will go into foreclosure. I believe we are just getting started in the right direction in solving the foreclosure crisis. Giving money and lowering mortgage rates will help, but I think we should find out why Americans are in this situation in the first place. We are too stereotyped when we think that the only reason someone forecloses is because of irresponsible payments or purchasing a home outside of a person's ability to pay for it. If we understand their situation, we will be better able to help and resolve their crisis. There are three common reasons why foreclosure occurs, as described by Lucy Lander, a writer for the National Association of Foreclosure Prevention Professionals. The first is the loss of someone who helped pay the mortgage. This can happen through divorce or death. In the event of a divorce, I believe banks should give them a one-year grace period to temporarily help the single woman or man until he or she can purchase a smaller, more affordable house. In the event of death, I believe that banks should proceed with the same temporary grace period as for divorce, until the wife or husband of the deceased spouse can decide whether to move to a smaller, more affordable house, or whether another family member will be able to help pay the mortgage. I believe banks should grant these temporary pardon plans because we would literally be dealing with American citizens... middle of paper... we have a role to play in solving the foreclosure crisis and laziness should not be tolerated. I believe that the foreclosure crisis will only continue and get worse until we understand the needs of the American public. Giving money is not the whole answer. Each situation is unique and different from another. What works for one citizen may not be the solution for another. In my opinion this is not only a financial situation but also a social situation. If he or she has a legitimate reason why he or she is in foreclosure panic, such as death, divorce, sudden illness, or recent job loss, then the U.S. government and banks should lend a helping hand. We cannot punish the unfortunate. We just took a step in the right direction. We need to start racing towards the finish line, because if we follow these steps, the foreclosure crisis will disappear in a flash.