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Housing

On our Housing pages you will find some useful tools to help you identify state and federal affordable housing programs, and to learn about efforts to protect children – particularly low-income and minority children – from being poisoned and permanently injured by lead-paint hazards. Attorneys who defend low-income tenants in judicial eviction proceedings can also register for access to our “CATRAP” legal research guide, and there’s a wealth of information on mortgage lending and foreclosure issues.

ARTICLES

ADVANCE COPY OF HEALTH LAW JOURNAL ARTICLE ON THE USE OF LOCAL LAWS TO PREVENT LEAD POISONING AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD UNTIL JUNE 5
The July 2013 issue of the Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law will include a important study of how local laws have been used across the country to fill gaps in state and federal laws intended to protect children from being poisoned by lead. Read More

Down Payment Rules Are at Heart of Mortgage Debate
It seemed an easy fix to prevent the excesses of the housing market: make home buyers put more money down. But as the housing market starts to return and the subprime mess fades from memory, the issue is up for debate. Read More


IN THE NEWS

National, State Advocates Push to Preserve Foreclosure Assistance
A broad coalition of state and national organizations is pushing to preserve a key federal program that has helped more than 1.1 million troubled homeowners and reduced mortgage payments by a median savings of $546 each month. Read More


HUD KICKS OFF FAIR HOUSING MONTH WITH LAUNCH OF NATIONAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) today launched a national media campaign to educate the public and housing providers about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act. Read More


POLICY ADVOCACY

Empire Justice Testimony Regarding New York’s State’s Draft Child Care Development Fund Plan for FFY 2014-2015
Our testimony on New York's draft CCDF PLan for 2014 - 2015, including comments on access to quality child care, the effects of lead poisoning on minority communities, immigrant access to quality child care and access to language services at local district offices. Read More


Memorandum of Support: Amend Social Services Law § 106 to Protect the Homes of Welfare Recipients
New York is one of only two states in the nation that takes deeds and mortgages against the homes of welfare recipients to recover the public assistance paid to these homeowners. This bill would exempt persons who own and reside in one, two or three family homes from this archaic provision. If the goal of New York’s public assistance policy is to restore individuals to self-sufficiency, then it is time to pass this bill! Read More



PUBLICATIONS

Paying More for the American Dream VI
This report examines systemic inequities in the mortgage market, as reflected in neighborhood lending patterns based on race and ethnicity. The authors analyzed 2010 Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data, and compared conventional and government-backed prime mortgage lending in seven U.S. cities, based on borrowers’ race and ethnicity and the racial and ethnic composition of neighborhoods. Read More

 

Paying More for the American Dream V
Access to mortgage refinance loans sharply declined in communities of color – and increased substantially in predominantly white neighborhoods, according to a report released today by a multistate collaboration of regional research, policy and advocacy organizations, including Empire Justice Center.... Read More

 

NEWSLETTERS

Policy Matters - February 2013
As we draft this issue of Policy Matters, we are about to begin the sprint to a final state budget - possibly earlier than ever before. As you may have guessed, much of our work since our last email has been focused on budget issues. However, as you can see, we have other irons on the fire as well! Read More


TRAININGS AND EVENTS

Public Assistance Issues for Teens and Young Adults / Housing Advocacy to Prevent Children from Languishing in Foster Care
This presentation will address some of the benefits and assistance available to teenagers, young adults and young families, approximately ages 16-22. Benefit areas covered will include cash assistance, Food Stamps, Medicaid and housing resources for teens and young adults who are living on their own or aging out of foster care. Read More

Representing Homeowners at Mandatory Settlement Conferences
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