Blige, Big Boi 'back housing campaign'

Mary J. Blige and Outkast star Big Boi have backed a campaign to raise awareness about home repossession.

The celebrities have lent their support to the Bringing the HOPE Home programme, which aims to help families in the US struggling with the country's foreclosure crisis.

The pair joined campaigners in Atlanta, Georgia last weekend, travelling with officials who provide advice to homeowners.

"Foreclosure rates in Atlanta have risen drastically in recent years. So I want to do what I can to help educate people about the options available to them to help keep their homes," Blige told website AllHipHop.

"They have to know where to go to ask for help. But most importantly, they need to know that they have to ask."

Outkast's Big Boi added: "There are too many resources available for this to continue happening to families in Atlanta. That's what this bus tour is about; making sure the people here know that too."

The campaign is scheduled to make further stops in Miami, Florida and Cleveland, Ohio.