Columbus, OHIO (July 8, 2009) – South Euclid councilman, local lawyer and Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) member Edward Icove has served as a volunteer throughout his professional career and is now involved in “Save the Dream,” Ohio’s effort to help Ohioans save their homes from foreclosure. Icove is one of more than 1,300 attorneys who have volunteered to provide legal services free of charge for “Save the Dream,” a statewide foreclosure assistance program that connects qualified homeowners with lawyers.

“I think it is a great opportunity to be a part of a team of attorneys throughout the state trying to deal with a common problem—trying to effect social change and save homes,” Icove said. “These sorts of things are why I became an attorney.” 

As a “Save the Dream” volunteer, Icove works with the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland to help Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga, Ashtabula and Lorain county residents who face foreclosure.

Icove urges homeowners who find themselves in trouble to get help. He advises, “You should get immediate contact with legal aid, even if you don’t think you’re eligible. The sooner you get help the sooner and easier it is to protect your rights.” Ohioans seeking assistance can call the “Save the Dream” hotline at 1-888-404-4674 or visit the Web site at www.savethedream.ohio.gov.

OSBA President Barbara J. Howard praised Icove, and other attorneys like him, who have stepped forward to assist homeowners. “The attorneys who take part in ‘Save the Dream’ are truly inspiring in their dedication to helping those in their communities who face foreclosure.” Howard said. “Their commitment should serve as a spark to other attorneys to join in the efforts.”

“Save the Dream” is supported by the OSBA, the Governor’s Office, the Ohio Department of Development, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Ohio Treasurer’s Office, the Supreme Court of Ohio, the Ohio Department of Commerce, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, various legal aid organizations, and housing counseling agencies. More than 13,000 Ohioans have received housing counseling and legal assistance since the “Save the Dream” initiative began on April 1, 2008. 

Attorneys interested in becoming involved should go to the member pages of the OSBA Web site, www.ohiobar.org, and click on “Foreclosure,” or call member services at 1-800-232-7124.

The Ohio State Bar Association, founded in 1880, is a voluntary association representing approximately 25,000 members of the bench and bar of Ohio as well as nearly 4,000 legal assistants and law students. Through its activities and the activities of its related organizations, the OSBA serves both its members and the public by promoting the highest standards in the practice of law and the administration of justice.

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