CHARLOTTE -- Hundreds of people hoping to stay in their homes turned out for a chance to refinance their mortgages at an event in North Carolina's largest city sponsored by a nonprofit group. The Charlotte Observer reported that the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America sponsored the five-day event that started Thursday. The group is offering to serve as a middleman between lenders and homeowners. About 350 counselors from the nonprofit were on hand Thursday, as well as lender representatives from the banks. Among those who got help is 41-year-old Katherine Falen of Atlanta, who left with a 3 percent mortgage from Wells Fargo, barely half her previous interest rate. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)