Consumer & Community Development

RECENT NEWS

State's finance score above average

Consumers in New York are faring better than those in 30 other states, though New Yor...

Applications Being Accepted for Hanna S. Cohn Equal Justice Fellowship

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POLICY ADVOCACY

GRCRC Wants Stronger CRA Regulations

The Greater Rochester Community Reinvestment Coalition, convened by Empire Justice Ce...

GRCRC Asks Federal Regulators to Strengthen Mortgage Lending Data Regulations

To coordinate with hearings being held across the country, the Greater Rochester Comm...

PUBLICATIONS

The River Runs Dry: Decreased Access to Mortgage Credit in Rochester’s Underserved Neighborhoods

This report documents a dramatic decrease in prime mortgage lending made between 2006...

Paying More for the American Dream IV

A report documenting a dramatic decrease in low-cost home loans and highlighting that...

NEWSLETTERS

Spring 2010 :

This issue of the Legal Services Journal contians articles on Consumer and Community Development, Immigration, Public Benefits and Disability Benefits. Read More

Winter 2009-2010 :

In this issue of the Legal Services Journal, you will find Empire Justice Center's Legislative Agenda for 2009-2011 and articles on Domestic Violence, Immigration, Child Care, Public Benefits, Child Support and Consumer and Community Development. Read More


UPCOMING EVENTS

Webinar: Federal Financial Reform, the New Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Impact on Homeowners Facing Foreclosure

Hear about the details of the new federal financial reform and the creation of a Cons...

Webinar: HAMP Update

The Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) has evolved considerably since it was...

 Recent Consumer & Community Development Articles

GRCRC Wants Stronger CRA Regulations
August 27, 2010
The Greater Rochester Community Reinvestment Coalition, convened by Empire Justice Center, urges federal agencies to strengthen and expand regulations governing the Community Reinvestment Act. Read More

Overdraft Protection: Should You Opt-In?
August 9, 2010
Consumers are now being given the option to "opt in" to overdraft programs with their financial institutions. Read more to find out whether you should opt in. Read More

Insurance Information for Consumers and Homeowners
July 7, 2010
Links to information on insurance for consumers and homeowners. Read More

Reports

The River Runs Dry: Decreased Access to Mortgage Credit in Rochester’s Underserved Neighborhoods  This report documents a dramatic decrease in prime mortgage lending made between 2006 and 2008 in Rochester, NY, and highlights that low-income communities and neighborhoods of color were hardest hit by the drop-off in lending.   Read More
 

Paying More for the American Dream IV  A report documenting a dramatic decrease in low-cost home loans and highlighting that communities of color were hardest hit by the drop-off in lending.  Read More
 

How Fair Is New York’s FAIR Plan?  An Examination of NYPIUA’s Residential FAIR Plan Policies.  Read More
 

More Reports

Online Trainings Available

Representing Homeowners at Mandatory Settlement Conferences
March 3, 2010
Mandatory settlement conferences are now an integral component to the foreclosure process for subprime loans. The governor has signed a new law that expands the settlement conferences to all residential loans. Pro Bono lawyers have been approved to represent homeowners for the limited capacity of these settlement conferences. This training addresses important considerations for lawyers willing to represent homeowners in this capacity. Read More

New Approaches to Stabilizing Homeowners and Communities in Western NY
May 16, 2008
This taped broadcast is geared towards housing counselors, legal services organizations, lenders, public officials, community-based organizations, and anyone who is concerned with the impact of the foreclosure crisis on homeowners and neighborhoods in the western part of the State. Discussion topics include information about housing counseling standards, specialized foreclosure trainings, State programs addressing the foreclosure issue, and successful approaches to reducing foreclosures, among other topics. Read More

Celebrating 30 Years of the Community Reinvestment Act
January 24, 2008
On January 24, 2008, the Greater Rochester Community Reinvestment Coalition and Empire Justice Center presented a forum celebrating 30 years of the Community Reinvestment Act. This forum is presented online in four parts. Read More