The mortgage and housing crisis is deepening with the onset of winter. Foreclosures are happening now. Evictions are happening now. What's needed are ways to reassure banks that value will eventually be realized from these homes without evicting their current occupants. For instance, government help guaranteed to the current residents to refit to save energy and water bills, including prepayments perhaps to the bank and contractors. With lower utility bills they can carry the mortgage.

You'd be amazed how many families still have incandescent lights, uninsulated water heaters, unsmart thermostats, old showerheads, not to mention lack of basement exterior insulation or proper caulking. Has anyone actually told them that they could lose their house if they don't stop these losses immediately? Has anyone offered them help to do this? If not you could see maybe a few million people out on the street this winter, which is certainly going to cost more than fixing this problem now.