Mary,
I would be very interested in knowing why you think opening a home equity credit line rather than refinancing the house is preferable. Is this because of the cost of refinancing? Are they in less danger of losing the house if things get worse financially? Aren't the interest rates for home equity credit lines higher than for fixed mortgages? Perhaps now is a good time for a discussion of this topic.
Sonya

Re: Sonya My guess is that a home equity loan is for a shorter time frame and people would be more likely to pay it off sooner than wrapping it in a 30 year mortgage? I wonder if Mary will respond.