Homeowners facing foreclosure can get referrals to assistance agencies through Pittsburgh's 311 help line, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said yesterday.

He said that would make it easier for residents to find nonprofit agencies that can help them.

"There are a lot of numbers out there. [Borrowers] don't know where to go," he said. "You have questions, pick up your phone and call 311."

City operators will not dispense advice, he said. They will give out the numbers for groups like Action Housing, the Fair Housing Partnership, NeighborWorks, the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group and the Urban League.

Pittsburgh has not been as hard-hit as most other cities by foreclosures stemming from adjustable-rate loans, Mr. Ravenstahl said. Nonetheless, seven neighborhoods saw 3.8 percent or more of their homes foreclosed on from January 2006 through November 2007: Allentown, Chartiers City, Elliott, Knoxville, the city section of Mount Oliver, Perry Hilltop and Sheraden.

Callers may remain anonymous, or provide contact information that 311 management can use to track their progress. The 311 line can usually be reached from any phone in the city.