Patty,

I have not had experience with these groups, but I have heard of scams associated with them.

I would make sure to check the better business bureau ( http://search.bbb.org/ ) before using one to see if they have any complaints. I think you are also supposed to look for one that is not for profit.

I'm in the same boat right now as well. I'm in real estate and the market is crap right now. I haven't had any income in the last 3 months at all. I don't have good savings either as I am horrible with money. I'm thinking about looking into either refinancing my home or opening a home equity line.