Foreclosures around the country and in Philadelphia are at an all-time high.

People get sick or lose a job, get behind on payments and the next thing they know, their home is about to be sold out from under them.

But if you're a homeowner in Pennsylvania there is help.

Crossing guard Helen Turnage has spent months worrying that she was about to lose the home where she often takes care of her grandkids.

She became unemployed in 2001, was struggling to keep up but had no idea her house was in jeopardy until she read her address in the paper for a sheriff's sale..

"They had held the checks since that time in 2001 when I was laid off my job," Turnage says. "I was on unemployment and social security but I still tried to keep things going."

Turnage turned to John Dodds of the Philadelphia Unemployment Project who told her about the only foreclosure prevention program in the country.

The Pennsylvania's Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program, or HEMAP, = provides loans to people who qualify.

Before a foreclosure is filed, the homeowners must be made aware of the program but they often miss the information.

"Unfortunately many people are not aware of this program," says Dodds. "And when they get the notice its in the midst of a blizzard of bills and late charges and late fees and so forth. They don't know it."

Dodds helped Turnage apply for help.

"It's a loan you pay it back when you're able, not until you're able and it really makes a big difference," he says. "You don't know have to be back to work you can still be unemployed looking for work and the state will pay your mortgage."

The NBC 10 Consumer Alert bottom line: If you get behind on your mortgage payments, don't stick your head in the sand and you might be able to save your home.

If you live in Pennsylvania and are struggling to pay a mortgage that is not an FHA loan, then you may qualify.

The Philadelphia Unemployment Project can help you figure out what your options are. Call them at 215-557-0822.

Or if you have an FHA-approved loan you can call HUD at 800-569-4287.