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A Message From the Affordable Homeownership Team
As we navigate the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to assure you that we remain committed to supporting members of our Network. We want to hear about the impact the pandemic is having on your communities, organizations and partners. Please share stories with us at the following email: [email protected].
We continue to update Our Resources page, so check back frequently. We're in this together!
Events
Protecting Homeowners and Affordable Housing in the Age of COVID-19
Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 2 PM EST
Prior to COVID-19 ,our country had a housing affordability crisis that left millions of individuals and families cost-burdened. In the wake of the pandemic and historic unemployment levels, many households are unable to make rent or mortgage payments and are at risk of losing their homes. Join us as we bring together a panel of professionals to discuss the impact of COVID-19 in our communities, and more importantly, how we can implement solutions that will put our communities on a path to an equitable recovery that preserves and creates affordable, high-quality housing for those that need it most.
Speakers:
- Doug Ryan, Prosperity Now, Moderator
- Steve Sharp, National Consumer Law Center
- Kaia Peterson, NeighborWorks Montana
- Phyllis Edwards, Bridging Communities
- Robert Morlino, Homewise
Register here.
Conversations on Manufactured Housing: Examining the Impact of COVID-19 to the MH Field
Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 3 PM EST
The pandemic has worsened the threat of a national housing crisis. Manufactured housing has provided safe, affordable housing opportunities to thousands of households. We are thrilled to convene a panel of experts to explore the pivotal role of manufactured housing communities as we chart a path to an equitable recovery for all.
Speakers:
- Stacey Epperson, Next Step, Moderator
- Paul Bradley, ROC USA
- John Van Alst, National Consumer Law Center
- Mayra Torres, Living Cully
- Kathy Zorotheos, MH Homeowner, Oak Hill Taunton Park Residents Association
Register here.
In the News
Impact of COVID-19 in Indian Country
Native Americans, like other minority groups and those in lower-income communities, have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Already strained communities have been crippled by mandatory stay-at-home orders; this has meant significant losses in revenue for tourism, casinos and related enterprises. While states and local governments nationwide are experiencing economic contraction, the tax base in Indian Country has been wiped out. Read More
Mortgage Catch-22: Interest Rates are Lower than ever, but Millions Can’t Get a Loan
Despite near-record low mortgage rates, for millions of potential borrowers it simultaneously has never been a better time to buy a home and never been harder to get a mortgage. The lending landscape has been disrupted by soaring unemployment and an ailing economy. Experts predict it may take years to recover.
Opportunity Starts at Home: Take Action
The Opportunity Starts at Home campaign launched a "Take Action" page where individuals can send pre-formatted letters to their senators and representatives urging them to include the "Emergency Rental Assistance Act" in the next COVID-19 package. To send the letter, signers can simply type in their street address and zip code and click submit; it is routed automatically the respective senators and representative. You can also retweet this or this.
New York Times Opinion: Now Is the Time to Embrace Density
There are two things we know: the U.S. economy will recover, and the recovery will start and be strongest in the cities that were thriving before the pandemic. Broadly, economies in Seattle, San Francisco, New York and Boston – driven by the innovation, technology and biotech sectors – are proving to be remarkably resilient despite the impact of COVID-19.
Washington Post Opinion: How to Avert another Foreclosure Crisis Amidst COVID-19
In the 2008 financial crisis, almost 9 million Americans lost their jobs, nearly 10 million lost their homes and many lost substantial retirement savings. As people fall behind on their bills, including mortgage and rent payments, an important question looms: Can we avert another foreclosure crisis?
