The FDIC — working through its new Alliance for Economic Inclusion (AEI) initiative — and the NeighborWorks Center for Foreclosure Solutions have partnered to promote foreclosure-prevention strategies for consumers at risk of foreclosure from subprime and nontraditional mortgage lending. The partnership will focus its efforts in nine markets around the country served by both organizations. View news release.

When Tony Eggleston found out that he had chrono sarcoma bone cancer last July, his family knew they would face hard times ahead. Things only got worse in the winter when the family faced possible foreclosure on the Waco home where they have lived for 2 1/2 years.

“We contacted at least 30 different organizations with no results at all,” Eggleston said. “(I was) in a situation of a disease that has taken over and you can’t control that. And then not being able to get assistance, you fear losing your house and putting your family on the street.”

After weeks of calling potential sources for assistance, from Gov. Rick Perry to the American Cancer Society, the Egglestons finally heard some good news.

The family learned they were the first recipients of $3,000 from NeighborWorks Waco, a one-time emergency grant the nonprofit program gives to delinquent borrowers who face imminent foreclosure. The program is designed to help borrowers bring their mortgages current, said Zach Carter, the HomeOwnership Center manager for NeighborWorks Waco. View article in Waco Tribune-Herald.

HUD's new Fair Lending Division will review mortgage lending practices throughout the nation. The division will investigate discrimination complaints against lenders who have allegedly violated the Fair Housing Act by refusing to make mortgage loans, refusing to provide the same information regarding loans, or imposing different terms or conditions for granting a loan, such as factors based on the race or national origin of the borrower. The division will also conduct investigations where lending patterns or other information suggests discrimination by a lender, but no individual has come forward to file a complaint. In addition, the division will conduct HUD’s fair lending oversight of the Government-Sponsored Enterprises, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to ensure their underwriting policies and practices comply with fair lending laws.

“We have launched a record number of investigations this year and have recently announced several major fair lending settlements,” said Kim Kendrick, HUD’s assistant secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. "But in today’s lending environment, where consumers sometimes become victims of discriminatory practices, we have to do more to educate and protect potential homeowners and enforce the law.”

Enterprise is offering a funding opportunity to developers committed to planning, designing and constructing green affordable housing. Grants awards of up to $50,000 per project are expected to be made in November. On Wednesday, July 25 at 2 p.m. ET, join an online discussion to review the application process. View information.

This Home Depot community program supports organizations that engage volunteers to build, refurbish, or maintain affordable or transitional housing; construct, refurbish, and maintain play spaces; refurbish or maintain community gathering places; and also rebuild structures damaged in weather-related disasters. Maximum grant application is $3,000. For more information, and an application, visit the Home Depot Web site.  

It’s not too late to register, but courses are filling up fast! Join peers in our nation’s capital for the highest quality training for community development practitioners and resident leaders. We offer courses focusing on different aspects of homeownership education and counseling, affordable housing, community building, neighborhood revitalization, and more. Some featured courses include:

• Community Organizers Forum – Intended primarily for experienced community builders, organizers, and volunteer leaders to discuss the current and future state of the community organizing field.

• SYMPOSIUM! Preparing for Success and Succession: Maximizing Opportunity at a Time of Leadership Change – For those who are looking to become leaders, are leaders, or will lead the community development field into the future, this will be a thought-provoking and highly interactive symposium about getting ourselves, our organizations and the field ready for the coming changes, such as an increase in leadership transitions; a workforce more diverse in terms of age, race and gender; and changing community demographics and needs. 

For a complete list of course offerings and registration information, visit us online at www.nw.org/training. If you miss the July 23 registration deadline, you may register for available courses onsite at the Hilton Washington beginning August 12 at 3 p.m.  

Over the past two months, the National Advisory Council has been actively promoting adoption of the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling at various events and meeting activities. For anyone not familiar with the National Industry Standards, these guidelines represent a baseline measurement for what stands as quality homeownership education and counseling. Nationwide support and adoption of these standards will spearhead stability industry-wide in how homeownership training and counseling services are provided.

With the growing rate of home foreclosures, now more than ever, organizations need to have a standard of reference to ensure that consistent and qualified service is provided to those in most need of homeownership services. The Council encourages all industry partners to demonstrate their commitment to the National Industry Standards by signing up to adopt them. To date, more than 50 organizations have listed their endorsement. To learn more about the National Industry Standards and how your organization can adopt them visit, www.homeownershipstandards.com.

In Subprime Mortgages: America’s Latest Boom and Bust, Edward M. Gramlich analyzes how the subprime market emerged, why it is in crisis, and presents ideas for reforming public policy. His examination of the rental market also offers recommendations for shoring up what may be the best housing option for some families.

NeighborWorks CEO, Ken Wade, says of the book, “Gramlich’s timely analysis of the housing market illuminates the causes and conditions that influenced the dramatic expansion in homeownership over the past 15 years. He highlights the important role that community organizations have played in advancing sustainable homeownership for lower-income families through quality pre- and postpurchase assistance and access to affordable mortgage products.”

Gramlich is a senior fellow at the Urban Institute, has been a member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and while a Fed Governor served on the board of directors for NeighborWorks America. The book is available from the Urban Institute Press.

Another resource, the Consumer Home Buying Guides, is a set of four manuals, available in a variety of languages, which focus on the various stages of the home buying process. Developed by Fannie Mae Foundation, they deliver practical, specific and concise information in a user-friendly format. Nonprofit and NeighborWorks organizations are eligible for a large number of complimentary Consumer Home Buying Guides in any combination of languages or titles.

Visit www.nwstore.org to purchase or learn more about each resource and how you can take advantage of the special offer for free Consumer Home Buying Guides.