KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Neighbors and community leaders are trying to stop home foreclosures and the troubles that follow. KMBC's Bev Chapman visited a foreclosed home in the 2200 block of East 67th Terrace. The man who lived there lost his home several months ago, and now a pile of trash is left in front of the house.

"They left two or three things outside. Then after that, it just started being a dump. And you're sitting across the street looking at it. I hate it," neighbor Joy Shurn said.

"This is what happens when you have foreclosure. It not only affects the people who are in foreclosure, it affects the neighborhoods, the children, the families," said Marian Youngblood of Kansas City's Communities Creating Opportunity.

On Tuesday, a group organized by CCO gathered in front of the house to voice their concerns over foreclosures. The group is working for mortgage modifications and changes to the bankruptcy laws across the country. In Missouri, the changes could prevent more than 8,000 foreclosures.

The people who live in the neighborhood said it's not just about trash and declining property values, it's about safety.

"People are coming and going in the middle of the night. It's scary because I don't know what they're doing. I don't know why they're there. It's pretty scary when you hear voices in the dark," neighbor Mary Rabon said. Neighbors said the first thing they want done is to have the trash removed and signs put up to warn dumpers that they're being watched. Next, the group wants to urge mortgage companies to find a way to keep people in their homes.

Foreclosure Prevention Workshop

People who are facing foreclosure will have a chance to learn how to save their homes at a workshop in Kansas City on Thursday. Homeowners will be able to talk to counselors and meet with their lenders.

The workshop is from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City. For more information, visit hopenow.com.