Mr O'Har says desperate residents make appointments for financial counselling up to four weeks in advance.

And he says that often the only solutions available are Band-Aids when surgery is what is needed.

``It's not just people behind in their mortgages we're seeing,'' he said. ``It's all kinds of debt, including credit cards and personal loans, but the values of their homes and assets are dropping. The best advice we can give anyone is learn to save, even if it's only a dollar a day. The problem is that people aren't learning the basics of financial management.''

Mr O'Har says residents often leave it so late to seek help that their only options were defending legal action from debtors, trying to stop the sheriff reclaiming their possessions, or filing for bankruptcy.

Short-term options for aid can include applying to the Housing Department (1800806653) or to the NSW Hardship Review Board for tax relief (1300368710).

Mr O'Har says the downturn in the economy and building industry is not only leading to a shortage of homes but also to rising unemployment, particularly in Sydney's west.

The Federal Government has several initiatives under way to tackle the housing shortage and mortgage crisis.

Fowler MP Julia Irwin this week welcomed the Government's national rental affordability scheme, which offers incentives of $8000 for each dwelling built for a period of 10 years.

``This is a major initiative which aims to build 50,000 additional rental dwellings Australiawide for over four years,'' Ms Irwin said.

``These homes will be offered for rent to eligible tenants at 20percent below market rents.''

Prospect MP Chris Bowen and Blaxland MP Jason Clare have compiled a free Debt Relief Kit for residents that can be picked up from their offices or mailed to them.

Mr Clare will hold a mortgage forum noon-2pm on Tuesday, October 28, at Cabra Vale Leisure Centre. Entry is free, but call 97902466 first if you intend on coming along.

Next week: Supporting migrant communities.

WHO TO CALL:

- Dispute resolution: 1300 780 808

- Legal aid: 1300 888 529

- Emergency aid, St Vincent de Paul Canley Heights: 9726 6822; St Vincent de Paul Mount Pritchard: 9823 1222; The Salvation Army Fairfield: 9724 1297

MANAGING YOUR MORTGAGE:

- Pick up a free debt relief kit from your local MP's office;

- Call the free Credit and Debt Hotline on 1800 808 488;

- Visit www.accc.gov.au and follow the links to 'Managing your Mortgage'.