Foreclosures are at an all time high as the federal government moves forward to help homeowners avoid losing their homes. Now an Austin woman who barely survived foreclosure is using her personal experience to help others from facing the same fate.

The monthly auctions at the Travis County Courthouse signal the official end of homeownership as foreclosed properties go to the highest bidder.

Donna Johnson, a foreclosure survivor, almost lost her home last year after being left suddenly unemployed with not enough money in savings. Losing a home is a scenario she sees repeated throughout her neighborhood.

"There were constables and police officers and moving trucks and the movers were taking the things out of the family's home," Johnson said of one neighbor.

Now Johnson is using her experience to help others avoid the same foreclosure fate. Her advice is simple. First be frugal and prioritize your debts. Making your monthly mortgage payment should come first before car or credit card payments. Communicate with your mortgage company. "I know it's painful but you have to answer everyone of those calls", she said.

Johnson says homeowners should also push to restructure their loans. "Modifying the loan has always been an option but not many borrowers are aware of it."

Determination to keep her children in the family home is what kept Johnson going. Her final advice to other homeowners facing financial difficulties is to have faith in themselves.

"Even if you're not able to keep your home, it doesn't define who you are. Bad things happen to good people. I'm a firm believe in that," said Johnson.

Johnson is now a public speaker and a business coach.