The organization, Empowering and Strengthening Ohio's People or ESOP, held a statewide rally celebration Thursday night.

The Mid-Ohio Conference Center in West Fourth Street in Mansfield was the site of one of seven satellite rallies. More than 100 ESOP representatives, homeowners state and county officials attended the event showing their support to fight home foreclosures.

ESOP Foreclosure Prevention Specialist Tracy Bond said nearly 1,100 people across the state of Ohio participated in the celebration. She said housing issues and increasing foreclosure rates are a major concern of ESOP. She said the organization has worked hard this year to help homeowners in Richland County. She said ESOP has saved over 100 homes in the area.

Event speakers included 73rd District State Reprentative Jay Goyal and Richland County Commissioner Ed Olson. A video address was also given by Senator Sherrod Brown and Attorney General Richard Cordray. Rallies were held in Cuyahoga, Lucas, Stark, Preble, Warren and Trumbull Counties.

Mansfield Fair Housing Director Don Mitchell, received the Rooted in ESOP award.

ESOP has a local office at 35 N. Park Street in downtown Mansfield. To set up an appointment with a ESOP foreclosure prevention specialist call 419-989-6349. For more information about ESOP visit www.esop-cleveland.org.