Who to contact?

If you are referring to credit card bills, then you call the company and ask for collections and specifically the hardship department. They are usually more than willing to work with you.

Should I call, or write and send it Certified mail? Thanks again.

I would initially call but then followup in writing. If they are willing to work with you and give you terms, then recap (memorialize) everything in writing and send it to them. I would send it CM but use the e-mail notification and not RRR. It's a couple dollars cheaper and you still get the same info from USPS.

does anyone know if receiving help from a hardship department negatively affect your credit in any way?

They will likely notate it on the tradeline and it might dip your score

hmmmm there are always so many things to consider ...

I assume it affects the credit score, but I figured that I had to do somethingn rather than nothing so it seemed like the right thing to do for me.

You will find out that some cards do special interest rates for hardship, but they might close your account as well. Some don't offer much at all until you fall behind. That being said, your #1 priority should be getting your secured debts down and not worrying so much about your credit points. I'm saying this because I was so worried about getting into programs a year ago when I should have because I didn't want a dip in credit points. Now I'm barely a step away from bankruptcy if I get lucky.

If you want to you can post what credit card companies you are dealing with and members from the board can let you know what programs are available.

Good luck to ya.

Bankruptcy is considered as the last option to become debt free.
Before going for it one should look at the alternatives available to him/her. Debt Settlement7 or debt consolidation is considered as the bankruptcy avoiding solutions. debt settlement can decrease your debt burden to the tune of 40 to 60%.

Bankruptcy is definitely a last resort. It is emotionally draining and doesn't make you feel good to have to do it. However, I was in such a financial mess, that it was the best thing to do FOR ME.