Hear the entire documentary online or download the MP3

Michigan has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country. Thousands of people in the state have had their homes foreclosed on.

Michigan Radio takes an in-depth look at what this means for our state, our communities, and all of us. Why has Michigan been hit so hard? What is this doing to our neighborhoods? What are the solutions? Michigan Radio's reporters and hosts explored these questions through in-depth reports and interviews during Morning Edition and All Things Considered during the week of July 21st.

At the end of the week our documentary, “Foreclosing on the American Dream” explored how home foreclosures affect people, neighborhoods, and even art. 

We have also compiled a list of resources that might be helpful if you are facing foreclosure or have already been through the process. Find out more.

If you have comments or questions about "Foreclosing On The American Dream" e-mail us here.

	The Foreclosure Process Explained Dustin Dwyer Thousands of families in Michigan have already gone through foreclosure. Dustin Dwyer has a look at what to expect if you fall behind on your mortgage payments, and you can't catch up. Listen

	A Young Person's Perspective Jennifer Guerra We hear a lot about what it's like for adults to go through foreclosure. But what about their kids? Kate Huff is 18 now. But she was just 16 when her family's house went into foreclosure. Kate sat down with her dad Ted to talk about what it was like for her to lose her childhood home. Listen

	Guardians of the Block Sarah Hulett A vacant home can blemish a tidy block almost overnight with fast-growing weeds and front porches littered with handbills. Some neighbors ignore those signs of abandonment. But others pull the weeds, and pick up the trash. Michigan Radio's Sarah Hulett reports. Listen

	Why So Many Foreclosures Christina Shockley Michigan has had one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation for more than two years. Don Grimes is with the Institute for Research on Labor, Employment, and the Economy at the University of Michigan. Christina Shockley asked him why there are so many foreclosures in the state. Listen

	Foreclosures Hurt Regular Home Sales Tracy Samilton Foreclosures don't hurt just the owners who lose their homes. Foreclosures ripple through neighborhoods and force down the price of every home that's being sold. Listen

	Where People Go After Foreclosure Charity Nebbe When people lose their homes to foreclosure they have to go somewhere, but where? Kurt Metzger is a demographer and the Director of Research of United Way of Southeast Michigan. Michigan Radio's Charity Nebbe spoke with him to find out where displaced people are finding shelter. Listen

Seniors Not Immune to Foreclosure Christina Shockley Most people fall into foreclosure because of job-loss, an illness, or some other financial hardship. For senior citizens, the reasons for foreclosure are often much different. Terry Allon is a foreclosure prevention specialist at the Housing Bureau for Seniors, part of the University of Michigan Health System. Michigan Radio's Christina Shockley asked her about the reasons seniors go into foreclosure. Listen

	The Family Pet Faces Foreclosure Charity Nebbe People all over Michigan are losing their homes in record numbers and in many cases that means their pets are too. Most of Michigan's animal shelters and rescue groups are operating at full capacity. Michigan Radio's Charity Nebbe spoke with Debra Carmody, the Executive Director of Cascades Humane Society in Jackson. Listen

	Community Organizations Pitching In Steve Carmody People across Michigan want to find solutions to the foreclosure crisis. In Benzie County, one group is doing everything from helping people get their finances in order to actually buying foreclosed properties. Michigan Radio's Steve Carmody reports. Listen

State Government Reacts Rick Pluta Earlier this year Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox put on a series of foreclosure informational forums around the state that attracted thousands of people. But until a few months ago, there were few alternatives for borrowers in trouble. That's when Governor Granholm and the Legislature scrambled to find ways to help. Rick Pluta reports from the state Capitol. Listen

	Facing Foreclosure Debbie Gilliam Debbie Gilliam must be out of her house in the next month. Gilliam tells us how going through foreclosure is tearing her family apart, and she talks about her hopes for moving back into her house in the future. Listen

	Jump Starting the Housing Market Sarah Hulett A Detroit area developer has the idea of raising the property values on in its development by rehabbing foreclosed homes nearby. Michigan Radio's Sarah Hulett reports. Listen

	Foreclosed Art Jennifer Guerra One artist was inspired to look at the foreclosure crisis through the eyes of a child. Even his art was not immune from a foreclosure of sorts. Michigan Radio's Jennifer Guerra reports. Listen

	Working Hours Jack Lessenberry The real wild west of the mortgage industry might go back further than one thinks. Michigan Radio Senior Political Analyst Jack Lessenberry tells us the real history and about what we might learn from looking back. Listen

	The Struggle to Prevent the Next One Heather Eleanor Mooney Heather Eleanor Mooney is a foreclosure prevention specialist with the Washtenaw County Treasurer's office. She explains that the stress of foreclosure can affect people's health. Listen

	Process Brings Clarity Regina Myree Regina Myree currently rents an apartment in Ypsilanti. She explains how losing two properties to foreclosure actually helped her gain a clearer perspective on what really matters in life. Listen

Theme music is "Anthem" courtesy of Emancipator. "Clouds Over A Setting Sun" by A Setting Sun was used in announcements the series and in the documentary. Talk Fine created the music used in the personal story montages.