Bedford Central Community Development Graduates 40 First Time Homebuyer Trainees; Hosts NACA Saturday, March 19

SPECIAL EVENT ALERT:
NACA AT BEDFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
1200 Dean Street (at Nostrand Ave)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Foreclosure Prevention Workshop: 4:30-6:30
First Time Homebuyer Workshop: 6:30-8:30
Work Shops are Free and Open to the Public



By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

For those of you who know me, you know that I have been an avid supporter of affordable housing for quite some time -- this stems from both personal challenges of obtaining an affordable home of my own, coupled with the fact that it is ludicrous and inhumane, and downright insipid to claim to be the leader of the free world, and one of the richest nations in the world, and not make it possible for those who made that wealth a possibility to have decent place to live.

In the land of the free and the home of the brave, we how tout ourselves to be technologically advanced, and culturally superior, should never ever have anyone homeless within our shores. We who claim to have the corner on innovation, cultural diversity, and all of those other powerful isms we are throwing up in the faces of other cultures, have been exposed for the liars that we are - now I want you to note that when I say “we” I’m speaking generically. Meaning “we” as in the United States. Not “we” as in you and me personally. Because, truth be told, we don’t have a nickel in that dime that caused one of the most egregious economic melt downs in the history of the US.

And while there were those of us who were pointing our fingers at the so-called predatory lenders, it turns out that the real culprits, the real predatory lenders were the banks themselves. Those major, too big to fail leviathans that take your money and lend it back to you at 5% while you only earn 1.5% interest on the money you have in your account.

Now that they have effectively dodged the lethal bullet that would have made them revamp and mend their evil, usurious ways, banks like JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, CitBank and Wells Fargo think that they’re back in the business of keep away again. And, if we aren’t careful, they just might be.

So where is all this headed? Well, first of all, there is some help on the horizon in the form of the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, otherwise known as NACA. For those of you who don’t know, but NACA has been in the business of making the banks heel for the past 25 years - long before the economic melt down; long before the HAMP programs, or the HOPE LOAN programs, or other programs that were designed to pretend that they were helping you, while they did nothing more than have you gathering paper, while you slipped deeper and deeper into debt.

NACA’s Save The Dream Workshop, and the First Time Homebuyers Workshop, will take place, back to back, Saturday, March 19, from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm, at the Bedford Central Presbyterian Church, 1200 Dean Street @ Nostrand Ave., in Brooklyn, NY

AND THEIR SERVICES ARE FREE!

With NACA you won’t have some charlatan preying on your fear and anxiety and telling you that for $3,000 they can fix your mortgage. In fact if you have that $3000, put it aside in an account so that you can use it for your delinquency, rather than letting some slickster rip you off.

Founder and CEO Bruce Marks recently held a marathon workshop in Atlanta, GA, 5 days, 24 hours a day, where he brought in 80 bank executives, servicers, and over 1,000 NACA counselors to work with people under threat of foreclosure, night and day - on a walk in basis, where they could get their problems resolved on the spot, and go home with their mortgages completely restructured. You will recall that NACA did a similar workshop in Javits Center in December 2009, and 3500 homes were saved.

We are working on bringing such a marathon to Brooklyn in May. It is a major undertaking, because they are looking for a property that is 100,000 sq. ft. in space, centrally located near subways and buses. (by the way if you know of such a property in Brooklyn, please email me at gloriadulanwilson@gmail.com, asap.
The workshop which takes place on Saturday is the prelude to that major event. It is also to make it possible for those who are really in dire straits to get assistance immediately, rather than trying to wait it out.

Bruce is so passionate and determined about bringing the banks to justice, that he was arrested after calling upon the Senate to make the banks pay up. In the most recent posting of my blog: gloriadulanwilson.blogspot.com, I talk about the dedication NACA has for homebuyers and home owners in distress.

If you have a home that is threatened with foreclosure, or know some one who does; or if you have a toxic over prices mortgage, or you suspect you have been a victim of predatory lending, please make sure you attend Saturday’s workshop. And also make sure that you don't keep this information to yourself. Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to save itself.

If, on the other hand, you are looking to purchase your first home, this is the perfect time to make sure you attend the workshop, you still have an opportunity to take advantage of the lower prices. But let me warn you, the forces are at work to try to raise the interest rates, even though these banks have not made restitution for the havoc they've already wreaked on American families.

Even as we speak, they are trying to get a "clean bill of health" so they can go back to business as usual. One headline read, "The Wealthy are Back!" totally ignoring the fact that millions and millions of homes are still underwater, and families ares till trying to negotiate with their counterparts, while they nickel and dime them to death with penalties, late fees, escalation clauses, etc.

However, all is not totally bleak:

I recently attended the graduation ceremonies of 40 families who participated in Bedford CentralCommunity Development's 16-Week Homebuyer Seminar Series. The program was developed by Wayne Devonish, Executive Director of the Bedford Stuyvesant MultiServices Center, who presided over the ceremonies. Rev. Clive Neil, who issued a hearty welcome, acknowledged that this was one of the largest classes ever. These are families seeking to become homeowners. This is their fifth annual event! Talk about garnering community support, Assemblymember Annette M. Robinson has supported this program from early on, as has Carver Federal Savings Bank, and Assemblyman Karim Camara.

Generally speaking, most people have been through some quick and dirty so-called buyer training program, only to later find they knew no more than when they started. And that has been the danger of being a New Yorker - we've become convinced that we didn't have the time to spend 16 weeks learning something. But a little knowledge is a dangerous thing - especially when it comes to real estate, and purchasing the roof over your heads. It can become a game of sharks and sardines - as evidenced by the high rate of foreclosures we are currently facing nationwide. But those who completed this 16 week intensive home buyer, home owner training, are now ready for the next step - purchasing their own home. They are armed with knowledge and resources, that as Rev. Neil stated, "now that you know, you know that you know, and no one can take that from you!"

NACA, in recognizing this accomplishment, will fast track those graduates, so that once they've participated in the 2-hour seminar, the counselors will assist them in closing on their properties within 30 days (the only caveat is, of course, the buyer finding a home that meets their requirements, and NACA's guidelines -which are the same as HUD guidelines.)

Brooklyn Central's Homebuyer Graduates, were certified by the Honorable Judge Peter Sweeney, Acting Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, who congratulated each of them for their accomplishments. Each participant received a certificate of completion, which was handed out by District Leader, Robert Cornegy. In addition their NACA eligibility, they are also eligible for discount down payments and other incentives, once they make their choice of a home to purchase.

And, as with any college that provides knowledge, the Homebuyer Program had a valedictorian, Ms. Nakita Q. Vanstory, a very enthusiastic, single mother, with an equally handsome and precocious son, Jessiah (combination of Jesse and Josiah), who shared the mike with his mother as she addressed her fellow graduates. The statuesque mother of two gave her fellow classmates a secret to saving monies for the IDA (a matched fund program that some banks provide for those participating in the homebuyer training program). "Everytime I get change, I put it in a little jar. When the jar gets full, I take it to the bank. I got my boyfriend contributing to my jars, my 11 year old daughter," she asserted enthusiastically. Then, to illustrate how it was done, she held up a jar filled with coins and dollar bills, and put a dollar into the jar. The audience applauded wildly.

The timing of this commencement is propitious. Graduates who attend NACA’s seminar on Saturday, will be eligible for the NACA homebuyer package No Downpayment; No closing costs, and a Mortgage that’s 1% below the prevailing prime rate. This is a policy that NACA has always had, long before the economic down turn issues began. It makes it “the best mortgage product in town".

While the NACA program is great for low and moderate income families, their services are not based on income. Their services are available to you regardless of your income, race, gender. You are eligible if you do not already own a home; if the home you purchase is to be your primary residence; is a one to four family property; and if you stay within the purchase guidelines in terms of how much the home can cost, you are eligible for NACA services. Then, of course the only other factor is predicated on the level of cooperation on your part in providing your paper work, and following the advice of the counselors.

So, Saturday, March 19, 2011, whether you are facing foreclosure, or you are looking to become a home owner, NACA WILL BE IN BROOKLYN, AT THE BEDFORD CENTRAL PRESYBTERIAN CHURCH: 4:30-6:30 FOR FORECLOSURE PREVENTION; and 6:30-8:30 FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS.

You get the point, right?

I've mentioned this event three times in the body of this blog. I've sent out several e-basts, as have many of my associates. The date, time and place are conveniently located. A word to the wise should be sufficient. It is in the calendar of events in OUR TIMES PRESS. Short of picking you up myself, there is nothing else I can do. It is totally now up to you to take advantage of this opportunity. I expect to see that sanctuary completely filled Saturday.

Pass it on, be there. Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers.


Pass it on, be there. Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

NACA at Brooklyn Central Presbyterian Church, Saturday, March 19

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Its no new news that Brooklyn has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the five-borough area. In fact it's the highest in the Metropolitan New York Area.

While valiant efforts on the part of local community based organizations to save homes from foreclosure have been little more than a drop in the bucket, the organization still has yet to find a home in a community where it's needed the most, and can do the most good.

On Saturday, March 19, 2011, Bedford Central Presbyterian Church, 1200 Dean Street, corner of Nostrand Ave, will host NACA's (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America) Home Save Workshop for those who are facing foreclosures, from 4:30 to 6:30; followed by their First Time Homebuyer Seminar, from 6:30 to 8:30, for those who are first time homebuyers and are eligible to take advantage of the free down payment, closing costs and one percent below prime mortgage program. This is a joint effort between The Bedford Stuyvesant Multi-Services Center, Choice2Empower, NAIA, and CitiWorks of New York,

If you, or someone you know, are facing foreclosure, or if you are the victim of a toxic mortgage or predatory lending, this is the place you need to be.

Likewise, for those who have recently completed a HUD approved first time home buyer training program, and have the certification to prove it, this will be of especial interest to you, since most of the preliminary requirements for counseling will have already been completed.

Bruce Marks, founder of NACA, and a native Brooklynite, founded NACA 26 years ago to thwart the redlining taking place in Boston, against many of his fellow union members, most of whom were African American. They were either redlined out of the neighborhoods they wanted to live in, or they were charged higher interest rates for mortgages, even though they had the appropriate credit rating to merit lower rates.

Marks, who coined the phrase "Main Street, Not Wall Street", after the attempted bail out of Bear Sterns, is known for his shock tactics to shake executives out of their remote control attitude towards working class people.

In an effort to make Congress aware of the egregious acts against cash strapped home owners on the part of Chase and other banks, Marks was recently arrested for shouting "Liar! They are not trying to help the home owners; make them tell the truth," at a recently held congressional hearing. He was led out of the chambers in handcuffs. This is the extent to which he will go to defend the rights of the homeowners; and the extent to which his supporters will likewise follow him to ensure that the banks are not allowed to get away with bilking homeowners out of billions of dollars, while they line their pockets with undeserved bonuses.

Below is a partial copy of a letter I received from Bruce today. They are culminating a successful week in Miami Florida, where, as you know, thousands of homes are facing foreclosures. This is an announcement of their week-long Save The Dream for Atlanta, GA. But I thought you might be interested the difference between an organization that takes a perfunctory half-hearted interest in your problems, and one, like NACA, that is vested and dedicated to saving homes.

BRUCE MARKS, CEO/ NACA

Dear Homeowners,

NACA’s Save the Dream Tour is returning to Atlanta after an incredibly successful Miami and the West Coast Tour where thousands of homeowners achieved affordable mortgage solutions. We will be at the AmericasMart Atlanta from Thursday March 3rd through Monday March 7th providing same-day affordable solutions.

NACA is determined to achieve your affordable solution. This is your opportunity to get it done. We strongly recommend that you come from near and far, particularly if you are frustrated with your Lender or Servicer due to lack of response, not getting an acceptable solution, not being satisfied with your solution, being denied a solution, or other issues you have with your Lender or Servicer. In addition, we have made changes to our process. Our lines and wait time are shorter. We have implemented a new Ticket Alert System so homeowners do not have to wait long hours. Most importantly, we have many more same day affordable mortgage solutions coming out of our Events than ever before, and a significant number with a principal reduction.

NACA will not rest until we achieve affordable solutions for our at-risk homeowners We expect many thousands of homeowners with an unaffordable mortgage to attend, with thousands achieving same day solutions during the event. These NACA events have been incredibly successful and have become the only viable solution for large numbers of at-risk homeowners. Many homeowners have had their mortgage payments permanently reduced by over $500 a month, and some by over $1,000, often with interest rates reduced to 3% or 2%, and sometimes a principal reduction.
All of NACA’s services are FREE.

* Bring your most recent 30 days of pay stubs or other verification of income (self-employed members please provide six months of bank statements). If you have been working with NACA, you should also access your Web-File to review the most recent updates and your next steps.

Tell your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. NACA provides the best solution to the mortgage crisis. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose - there is no cost and the major lenders and investors will be on site. Do not miss this opportunity to make your mortgage payment affordable! We look forward in assisting you in achieving your affordable long-term solution.

IF YOU HAVE RELATIVES IN ATLANTA, YOU MIGHT WANT TO FORWARD THIS INFO TO THEM:
NACA ATLANTA Save-the-Dream Event:

* Location: AmericasMart Atlanta (250 Spring Street Atlanta, GA)
* Starts: Thursday March 3rd at 8:00 a.m.
* Ends: Monday March 7th at 8:00 p.m.
* Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. everyday

FORWARD THIS ON YOUR FACEBOOK, TWITTER, OR OTHER SOCIAL NETWORKING SITE

Sincerely,

NACA Management

In speaking with Bruce Marks, he indicated that a similar Save The Dream Marathon is being planned for New York as well, in the mid to late spring. In the interim, the workshops are being held for those who have immediate issues that can't wait until then. It also make it possible to register early and receive preliminary assistance prior to the marathon.

So spread the word, and save the date: SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2011, 4:30-8:30. NACA is coming to Brooklyn

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson