Buying your first home in Philly? Check out NACA First - Remember these 4 Letters N-A-C-A - They're Going to Make You a Home Owner Philly!

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
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Hello All:

One of the best  kept secrets in the Philadelphia area, especially for low and moderate income families who want to become homeowners, is the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America - also known as NACA.

It's considered a best kept secret because everybody else knows about it's existence, it seems, but Philadelphians themselves.  And, interestingly enough, NACA has been in Philly since 2004!!  Perhaps it's because they've been located on what could be considered the outskirts of Philly, on Delaware Ave, near Penn Treaty Park. So folks from New Jersey, Delaware, even New York City, make the trek to participate in their free, four hour workshop - but all that's about to change - as there are plans afoot to relocate the NACA offices to the Lusk facilities near Broad Street and Fairmont Avenue - still close enough for the Jersey and Delaware participants to reach the offices, but much more travel friendly for Philadelphians who use the bus, subway, and personal vehicles for their mode of transportation.  A stone's throw from Center City and City Hall, and just about every adjacent neighborhood as well - North Philadelphia, Germantown, South Philly, etc. 

Husband and wife who just became NACA-Qualified 

Now, you're asking, "What's so special about NACA? and why should Philadelphia be interested?"  Glad you asked. NACA, which is now in it's 35th year, is the homebuyer's best friend. In fact, when you call their number the first thing you hear is, "Welcome to NACA - We're going to make you a home owner!"  NACA has $13 Billion dollars in resources, and provides first time home buyers with Free Down Payment, Free Closing Costs, Free Counseling, Mortgages that are 1% below the current prime rate; not based on your credit, but on your character; and in addition to the consulting, will continue to work with you as long as you have a NACA mortgage.

Now you can say WOW!  

So, why is it that Philadelphia is not aware of their existence - and why haven't more Philadelphians taken advantage of their program and resources?  

I've been asking that same question.  As a NACA Advocate for 10 years now, I've attended several NACA seminars in various cities and communities, where the room is always packed with people looking to purchase their first home.  But at the seminars in Philly, less than half of the participants are from Philadelphia.  Shocking, especially when there are so many buyers setting their sites on Philly, in the very neighborhoods in which so many potential Philly homebuyers reside.   Homes are being purchased right out from under their very noses.  It boggles the mind how there seems to be a grass is greener attitude, coupled with a not so subtle despair that nothing ever breaks for Philly.   

Which is why I'm posting this wake up call to Philadelphians. 

Wake Up Philly, you have NACA in your midst - you don't have to be rich to participate! 

Wake Up Philly:  Not only do you have NACA in your midst, you will have them soon in easy reach.   

Wake Up Philly - NACA provides  FREE Down Payment

                                                        FREE Closing Costs

                                                        Mortgage 1% Below Prime

You don't have to wait til you're old and gray to save up 20% (conventional) down payment; or even 5% (FHA); 

You and your family can own your own home - NOW

A Single Family home; or you can own a multi-family home - live in one unit, rent out the rest - making it possible for you to prosper while you live (of course you have to complete NACA's free Landlord training program to make sure you do it the right way).  And for those family members or friends, who are really smart, and chose to do so, you can even co-buy a property, and reside in each unit at a reduced mortgage rate.

Now you don't have to buy in Philly, but I highly recommend that you do so.  There are too many people in Brooklyn and other areas kicking themselves right now because they were ignorant of the treasures right under their very noses - opportunities that they turned their backs on because they made the mistake of looking down on their own community - the grass is greener syndrome, has cost them a lot, caused them to be displaced and destroyed decades of family traditions that once made Brooklyn communities famous. 

Don't let that happen here!

A little history about NACA for those of you who are still skeptical: The Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America was formed as the answer to a need - The African American Members of a union in Boston, MA were being discriminated against and redlined by banks and lending institutions who were overcharging them for properties in distressed areas, and charging them higher interest rates and fees.  (Of course, these are just the highlights - the entire story will make you angry, make you cry, and then cheer for the bravery and boldness these NACA pioneers showed, who paved the way for this organization to be born - I remember when I first saw the original video, it really got to me).

NACA FOUNDER AND LEADER BRUCE MARKS 

One time union leader, Bruce Marks, who headed the union became aware of these issues, and formed a coalition with the members to put a stop to it via demonstrations, advocacy, and finally suing the banking institutions for egregious acts against the Black homebuyers, and won a whopping settlement of $13 billion dollars against Bank of America and First National City Bank (CitiBank), to assist homebuyers in purchasing their own home.

Marks is so passionate about homeownership, he and his followers have been jailed for going up against banks who felt it was alright to redline Black families.  It was Marks who coined the now popular phrase, "MAIN STREET, NOT WALL STREET!" and led the first march ever against a Wall Street investment firm when the repuglycons tried to bail them out while families were losing their homes right and left.

Now, with 35 years of advocating for homeowners rights   they are national and local in scope, they are HUD approved, and were instrumental in assisting nearly one million homeowners in saving their homes from foreclosure, during the recent economic downturn under the Bush Administration, when prices were over inflated and properties were being collateralized with mortgage backed securities.

Because NACA is in the business of building and sustaining neighborhoods, they also have an ancillary program called HAND (Home and Neighborhood Development) that will assist with renovation and upgrading of properties at reasonable costs, overseeing the process to ensure the homebuyer does not lose his or her home to unscrupulous contractors who force home owners to take loans against their properties for often shoddy workmanship.

So, what's not to love with NACA in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection???  The workshops are free of charge, every other Saturday of the month - usually at their current location - 1341 N. Delaware Ave.  The office is in Suite 312; but there is a small gathering room on the ground floor level of the building that holds about 50 participants - hence the need for additional space.  

Family who just closed on their new home

For the realtors, NACA is a Godsend - because those buyers who are NACA qualified are literally guaranteed to have their mortgages approved - takes the guesswork and nail biting out of the entire process - all they need to do is to find the suitable home - which, can sometimes be more challenging than one would think.   As a matter of fact, one realtor, at the recently held Ephesians Church Street Festival on Diamond Street (Saturday, July 15, 2017), couldn't praise NACA enough for helping her with some of her toughest clients who she thought would never be able to purchase a home.  

Debra White, who heads the NACA Philly office explained to the participants that they don't need perfect credit, but they do need to provide the requisite paperwork in a  timely manner in the format required in order to ensure things move smoothly.  "We will walk with you through the entire process, " she stated, enthusiastically; adding, "We've just hired two new counselors, and will hopefully be bringing on more staff when we expand to new facilities."

The other great thing about NACA Philly, is that they have a friendly, diligent, devoted staff, headed by Debra White - all of whom have the patience of Job, and will do every thing in their power to make sure you become a home owner. Actually, the same can be said about NACA offices regardless of where you find them.  The main thing is that, unlike other mortgage facilities - they don't drop you once you've gotten the loan and leave you to fend for yourself.  They work with you throughout the life of the loan.  While NACA requires that you not own any real estate prior to getting a NACA mortgage; there's no prohibition against your purchasing additional properties afterwards - should you desire to do so.  However, you cannot be co-signer on someone else's home.  

NACA's famous 10 Steps to Homeownership

Of course, most conventional realtors don't  understand the NACA methodology, and want to do things the "conventional" way - which, unfortunately is what caused so  many homebuyers to purchase underwater (over priced) properties; or caused them to purchase properties they could not afford to maintain.  NACA does not allow this, and in order to assist realtors who want to bring their clients to NACA, provides an online webinar every other Wednesday, specially designed for the Real Estate Professional.  For additional information, please contact NACA Philly 215.531.2551 Ext. 0. The goal is to have a win-win-win situation so that the Buyers, sellers, realtors all win - and that comes through knowledge, and cooperation.

Since we are in the 21st Century,  everything is done online - registration, documentation, notifications - so, it's important that you have a computer,  an iPad, or access to one.   And it is a family affair - if you're married, both husband and wife have to participate in all the NACA workshops and activities - to ensure that everyone is on the same page.  The same is true of co-buyers - whether you're brother and sister, mother and daughter, father and son, or a combination of friends - it cuts down on dissension.  And to make sure you are well educated in the process, NACA provides a free workbook so that you can follow step by step everything you need to know to purchase, maintain, and enjoy your home.

Another family who qualified for a NACA mortgage

There are many other wonderful things about NACA that I could include here, and, as you know, I'm known for writing long and detailed posts.  However, this time I'll give you a link, because I'm sure you're going to want to go on line and sign up for the next upcoming NACA Workshop, which takes place Saturday, July 29 - please check the link for location and time, as some of the local organizations have also been working with NACA to bring them to their organization: www.naca.com

Or you can contact them by calling 215.531.5221 Ext 0 for the front desk.

In case I neglected to mention it, NACA has a Home-Save Division as well - though there is not a branch in our Philadelphia office, NACA-Philly can connect you to a team of legal experts that have been instrumental in saving nearly a million homes - and are thoroughly well versed in Philadelphia law and other issues.  

REMEMBER THESE FOUR LETTERS

N A C A

THEY'RE GOING TO MAKE YOU A HOME OWNER PHILADELPHIA!! 

NOW THAT YOU KNOW, 

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Stay Blessed & 

ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria 

NACA MIRACLE: REDUCES MORTGAGE FROM $2200.00 TO $1.00 per month

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

NACA in NY, Day 2.  Just wanted to give you a miracle update.  One of NACA's many - but a true testament to how NACA can make the "impossible" happen - A gentleman in his late fifties had become unemployed as a result of market forces in NYC, but had managed to keep up his payments of $2200.00 in monthly payments on his co-op unit in Brooklyn.  He had used a combination of his savings and his unemployment check. 

Eventually the savings had run out, and then finally, his unemployment benefits has been exhausted as well - and since he could not get an extension - thanks to certain forces in Congress - faced the real proposition of losing his home - to put it mildly.  He was actually facing foreclosure, and had turned to several locally based community organizations for assistance. 

Well meaning as they were, they weren't able to assist him, except to postpone what appeared to be the inevitable.  When he heard about NACA coming to New York, he came in total desperation.  After nearly a year of trying, he had finally gotten a job in his field, but was on a 60 day probationary period.  He had tried to get the foreclosure forestalled, and it now looked that he was going to employed, but homeless.

He came with a crowd of other people looking to save their homes, and seeing NACA as their last hope - but holding out no faith that anything concrete could be done - with a stricken look on his face as if he was in pain; braced to hear more bad news; and so tense that he was physically holding his breath - a sign of stress and fear that usually happens when we're facing what might be the the final death knell to his home. 

He was optimistically pessimistic - hoping that NACA could help him, but sure that his problems were so serious that no one could.  There was a look of quiet desperation in his eyes, as he sat through the orientation - probably thinking, "surely this is a waste of my time, I don't need this, I just need help NOW!"  And went into the main room, where at least a hundred other likewise desperate souls all looking to save their homes were seated.

He probably thought that the crowd of people were so many that he wouldn't get the attention that he needed, or that NACA would run out of time - that was Friday, Day 1 of NACA.  When he started talking to one of the many thousand skilled counselors in NACA's Charlotte, NC counseling centers, he began feel as though things were hopeless, and began to vent that no one cared what he was going through!  "I might as well give up - maybe I can get a room when I get my first real paycheck."

Enter NACA Home Save counselor, Pamela Lyons, who has witnessed this sort of panic before.  She listened to him patiently while he ranted and raved, and talked about all the things that he had been through over the past several months - with empathy and concern.  And once he had finished, and observed that no security guards had come to drag him off, and that she was still standing there, smiling, talking him through the whole process, he began to calm down somewhat.

She went through his paperwork, helped him talk to the banks; looked at what his assets currently were, and the arrears on his co-op.  She worked with him, the banks, and the servicers - and by Day 2, Saturday, had worked out a solution that not only left him smiling, but amazed and fairly dancing with joy:  The interest rate on the proprietary mortgage had been reduced from a high rate to just 2%, bringing his monthly payments down considerably.  But wonder of wonders, Ms. Lyons and the bank worked it out so that the client would only have to pay $1.00 PER MONTH ON HIS MORTGAGE FOR THE NEXT SIX MONTHS, giving him a chance to get back on his feet and realize an income cushion before resuming payments!!!   He looked at her in shock, awe, disbelief, joy, all rolled into one. 

NACA and Pam Lyons, and the banking team, who were present and ready to work with people facing foreclosure, under water mortgages, arrears due to job loss and other circumstances, had saved another home!  As mentioned in my blog, NACA is a HUD approved organization that provides FREE FORECLOSURE PREVENTION and MORTGAGE RESTRUCTION or REDUCTION SERVICE via their HOME SAVE program.  They are national in scope and have saved hundreds of thousands of homes throughout the US - especially since the combined economic downturn and mortgage backed securites forced millions of Americans to lose their homes.  They go throughout the US and provide hands on service and the opportunity to meet face to face with the banks that hold the mortgage, and work out solutions and access most other organizations don't have. 

On the other side of the room, families who had given up hope of owning their own home and getting out from under over priced rents in substandard dwellings, were likewise leaving with happy looks on their faces. 

What about the rest of you?  Are you sitting on your own private mortgage powerkeg - one that's getting ready to blow up in your face? 

Well this is Day 3 of NACA - Sunday, June 22.  Shouldn't you be taking advantage of their services?  Why continue to suffer, when you can succeed, with their help, in getting a workable solution to your mortgage problems?  It may not be getting your mortgage reduced to $1.00 per month, but NACA will work with you to produce a workable solution to your own mortgage issues.

And for first time homebuyers - why continue to pay someone else's mortgage, when you can own your own home and benefit from the joys of ownership and tax benefits as well?  NACA has the best mortgage in the world FREE COUNSELING, FREE DOWN PAYMENT, FREE CLOSING COSTS, INTEREST RATE 1% BELOW PRIME.  They are the gold standard in mortgages.  What are you waiting for?

It's Day 3 - NY, NJ, CT, PA, MD & DC - COME AND GET YOUR MIRACLE.  NACA is in Brooklyn, NY at the Marriott, Brooklyn Bridge - til Tuesday, June 24.  It's a national organization, so no matter where you live in the US, NACA can help you.

Go online and make your reservation - www.naca.com, or just show up -
Let this be the beginning of the end of your worries, and the beginning of better, brighter, happier days ahead.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson



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NACA SAVE THE DREAM 7-DAY MARATHON IN D.C. July 23-July 30

by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

NACA’S SAVE-THE-DREAM EVENT FREE IN WASHINGTON D.C. NEW YORKERS KNOW HOW TO GET TO D.C.

If your home is under threat of foreclosure or auction, take your paperwork, and get there.
They are open 24/7 for the rest of the week!!!

As you know, I am an advocate for NACA, the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, and am working to bring a branch to Brooklyn. I have made several referrals to NACA in Newark, because, try as they might, many of our local organizations don't have the resources to resolve the problems of families in crises.

There have been several interim NACA workshops in Brooklyn and Queens to alleviate some of the pressures of foreclosures in a hostile real estate and banking environment, that has push New Yorkers to a posture of having one foot in their homes and the other in the street.

At present, the closest NACA center is in Newark, NJ. I am hoping to announce soon that Brooklyn has finally obtained its own branch.

In the interim, Bruce Marks, founder of NACA continues to take NACA's show on the road throughout the US trying to help those families who are facing dire straits as a result of predatory lending practices; collateralizing and securitizing our mortgages and selling them to foreign investors, and an economic downturn that would have become a massive sinkhole had it not been for President Barack Obama.

NACA is in DC this week! This is good news for those of use on the Eastern Seaboard, because, if you missed them at Javits in December, at Boys and Girls High in January, at the Bed-Stuy Multi-Services Center in March and May, or in Atlantic City in May, you can definitely get to DC.

New Yorkers are great for making DC Runs. So this is a piece of cake for us.

NACA’S SAVE-THE-DREAM EVENT ALL SERVICES ARE FREE – SAVE YOUR HOME! WASHINGTON, D.C. – D.C. CONVENTION CTR Friday July 23 rd thru Friday 30 th – 24hrs a day! If you are in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Virginia, you can take advantage of this opportunity to have your mortgage permanently restructured so that you no longer have to chose between food and a roof over your head.

DC is just 4 hours from NYC by Car, bus or train. Don't sit here and blow an opportunity to save your home. Get your papers together and be there. They are offering services 24 hours a day until Friday, July 30.

When & Where
All Day & All Night Washington D.C. D.C Convention Ctr 801 Mount Vernon Place N.W
Washington, D.C.
Friday July 23 through Friday July 30th 24 Hours Per Day
200 Straight Hours

Who Should Attend
Anyone with an unaffordable mortgage who lives in the house and does not own another house.

What to Bring
Necessary (most recent): Verification of Income
o Employed (30 days paystubs)
o Self-Employed (six months bank statements)
Optional (bring if possible):
Mortgage statement
Property Tax statement
Property Insurance statement
Not Based on: Mortgage status (i.e. current, late or foreclosure eligible) Employed or Unemployed Property value or location (not limited) Income (not limited)

Three step process:
If you completed any of these prior to the event, skip that step and go directly to the next. 1. Orientation
2. Counseling Session (submission to lender)
3. Meet your Lender (most lenders & investors will be at the event and we work with everyone)
Lenders and Investors will have hundreds of staff available to restructure loans the same day!

Testimony from One Of Many Dreams Saved:
Homeowner Carlos and Caitlyn Pavon of Silver Spring Maryland is just one of many thousands of examples. Her interest rate went from 8% to 2% for the life of the loan. They are saving $965 a month. “NACA not only stopped the sale of our home, but they negotiated a 2% interest rate. That means we are saving $965 a month. Thank you NACA for helping us save our home,” says Carlos Pavon

NACA, Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America is a non-profit
HUD Certified organization that is the largest and most effective in restructuring mortgages to an affordable payment.

NACA has assisted homeowners in saving over $500/month and some over 1,000/month by permanently reducing the interest rate to as low as 2% and, if necessary, reducing the principal.

NACA has legally binding contracts with all the major lenders and investors to achieve permanent affordable solutions for many thousands of homeowners

Register at www.naca.com.
Walk-ins are Welcome!
Doors open July 23rd at 9:00 a.m. & close July 30th at 8:00 p.m. –
Over 200 Hours KEEP YOUR HOME – ALL SERVICES ARE FREE!

EMERGENCY ALERT! EMERGENCY ALERT! EMERGENCY ALERT!

NACA has been instrumental in saving thousands of homes over the past 20 years, as a result of having negotiated, on their own, with banks and lending institutions who have set aside millions of dollars to rectify egregious transgressions against low and moderate income families who wanted to become home owners. In fact, there have been virtually no defaults or delinquencies on the mortgages arranged by NACA for these home buyers.

There is word that the funds NACA has had at its disposal may be threatened, unless we, the citizens who are in dire need of their services, speak out in their behalf, and alert President Obama and the Treasury to leave NACA intact. In fact, they should be increasing their funding, because of their effectiveness, and because the problem still exists, and we still need their help.

Also, word is that Chase Bank has been uncooperative in rectifying the over burdened mortgages. If the banks, who are at the center of the problem, are not willing to cooperate, it it may be necessary to send a clear signal that Americans are fed up with those who can so callously ignore their needs, sitting in the comforts of their homes, while ours are under threat.

There is a statement that banks don't want to own our homes. If that is the case, why are they continuing to foreclose on them, giving families the run around, instead of being cooperative in rectifying the situation. This is the reason NACA's services are essential. They are a pit bull when it comes to making sure we don't get ripped off.

In a country that calls itself the land of the free and the home of the brave; in a world where the basic laws of nature (and rights of humans?) is food, clothing and shelter, it always calls to question whether the ones who would deprive you of those basic needs could be considered human or humane. There are more commercials on TV for saving deprived animals than there are for those who are under threat of losing their homes.

It has to be the most terrifying thing in the world, to consider the possibility of being rendered homeless because of unscrupulous dealings within the real estate and banking industry -- peopled by individuals whose motivation is based on turning a buck, collecting a commission - regardless of the hardship and peril it visits on so many families.

You can easily go on line and see the good NACA has done and continued to do in the nearly 25 years it's been in existence. It joined forces with HUD obstensibly to be able to expand what they do, because America was in dire need. I hope that the affiliation with HUD does not handicap what NACA is able to do.

Speak out now. Make sure they are aware that NACA knows best. Allow them to do what they do best - save homes, and help families obtain homes. To let the banks make the decisions about how they will "help" the people is like putting the fox in charge of the hen house. It just won't get done. They'll back end everything, and you'll end up owing more than when you walked in the door. It's not in their DNA.

Write the President, write your congressional representative; write NACA, and make sure that they continue to be here, continue to have the requisite funding and are effective for the next 25 years.

By the way, the NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. They and NACA will both be at the Washington Convention Center at the same time. What an opportunity for synchronicity and collaboration.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

NACA IS TAKING THE GAMBLE OUT OF AFFORDABLE MORTGAGES AND HOMEOWNERSHIP- NEW YORKERS MUST BE THERE - NO EXCUSES!!

BY Gloria Dulan-Wilson

THIS IS BOTH A HEADS UP AND AN EVENT ALERT FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION:
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NEW YORKERS AND BE THERE -- NO EXCUSES

I'm sending you some information that should be of interest to many of your neighbors in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Manhattan, Long Island, Westchester, Dutchess County -- let's just say throughout New York, both downstate and upstate:

As you know, I have been working to help those who have been victimized via predatory lending and over priced mortgages by bringing NACA to New York, via Brooklyn.

You should know that there will be a massive NACA HOMESAVE PROGRAM SPONSORED BY NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America) IN ATLANTIC CITY May 21 through May 25 -- and ALL NEW YORKERS are eligible for INSTANT ONSITE RESTRUCTURING OF YOUR MORTGAGES and STOPPING FORECLOSURES.

This is the same program NACA presented in JAVITS in December of 2009, when NACA SAVED 3000 HOMES FROM FORECLOSURE IN 5 DAYS!!!

So, please spread the word and have them register online at www.naca.com; and make it their business to get to AC to save their homes.

NACA will be at the ATLANTIC CITY CONVENTION CENTER and serving the victims from the tri-state are of NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY AND PENNSYLVANIA, with 24 hour round the clock service, with 1000 counselors, and 80 banks and their servicers onsite to do INSTANT WORK OUTS.

This Round the Clock Marathon is so that people with problems can be serviced no matter what time of day or night.

All they have to do is get there.

Generally there are "casino buses" from New York City that take you to Atlantic City from Port Authority (42nd Street & 8th Ave in Manhattan) or from other private local sources. Usually they rebate part of the fare for use at the various casinos. There are now also trains that leave from Penn Station in New York and Newark, NJ that go directly to Atlantic City. There is also the possibility of Car Pooling.

Whatever the means of transpo, do whatever is necessary to get there because it is an opportunity to save homes, and spend the summer, not to mention the rest of the life of their mortgages not having to worry about it; saving money, as well as clearing up any arrears caused by predatory practices. NACA is HUD approved, and can also help those who are currently on unemployment, or receiving some form of Public Assistance. So no one should count themselves out.

You might say that ">NACA IS TAKING THE GAMBLE OUT OF STABILIZED MORTGAGES AND HOMEOWNERSHIP.

And by the way, you should let your contacts know that this is ALL FREE TO THEM!

The only caveats are that it must be their primary residence; they can only own one home; they cannot be on title or co-signed on any other properties. I.e. NACA is not for investors who own more than one property.

So if you, or any of your contacts are struggling with your mortgages, facing foreclosure, or are needing to restructure (not modify - restructure) your mortgages so that the monthly payments are manageable and you don't have to choose between the roof over your head or food on the table, then they should definitely make it their business to get to ATLANTIC CITY CONVENTION CENTER FOR THE NACA HOMESAVE PROGRAM, May 21 through May 25.

I will be keeping you posted on any updates in reference to the upcoming NACA event in Atlantic City or here in New York, so please check in; paste, post or share if you have info, suggestions or commentaries that are constructive and helpful to those who are facing the threat of losing their homes.

Thanks

Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

NACA'S BACK IN BROOKLYN BY POPULAR DEMAND

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

I am so proud to announce that we will be bringing NACA - the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America - back to Brooklyn on Saturday, March 20, for two back to back seminars at the Bed-Stuy Multiservices Center, 1958 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY

WORKSHOP I
The HOME SAVE SEMINAR from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, for those who are facing foreclosure or who are suffering from toxic mortgages. This workshop is specifically tailored for you to begin the process of providing you with counseling services and having your mortgages completely restructured.

WORKSHOP II
FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM will be specifically tailored for those who are looking to own their own home, and who are in need of the down payment, closing costs and mortgage to do so.

Participation in the workshop is mandatory to access NACA’s services, so participants are required to be there for the entire length of time. Of course, those who are facing emergency situations with their mortgages should bring their paperwork with them.

It is recommended that you go on line and sign up with NACA in advance, get your unique I.D. number ahead of time. While NACA provides free books, it is advised that you bring a notebook and be prepared to take notes. The concept is to educate you while assisting you, so this is not a passive process, but a participatory process.

Participating in NACA’s training is mandatory. NACA is very strict in their formulation of helping people maintain affordable mortgages - they have to be; otherwise the problem becomes a recurring one. Concomitant with their foreclosure prevention program is their home buyer program, which provides first time home buyers with “the best mortgage,” which includes free down payment and closing costs, as well as a mortgage that is 1% below the current prime rate. The services are for primary residential purchases of 1-4 family homes - you must live in the home you purchase. It is not for investors. NACA's programs are predicated on an informed and prepared consumer. The mandatory two-hour workshop that NACA requires their clients to participate in before they provide any service to them.

NACA’s East Coast Regional Director, Ben Codjoe, and Newark, NJ Directors Kerrey Campbell and Darwin Munroe, in conjunction with the offices of Congresswoman Yvette Clarke’s, Assemblymembers Hakeem Jeffries, Annette Robinson, Nick Perry, Frank Boyland, Jr., Councilmember Al Vann, and the cooperation and support of Wayne Devonish, Executive Director of the Bed-Stuy Multiservices Center, are working to provide a permanent NACA office in Brooklyn, NY.

The last time we presented NACA in Brooklyn, it was a bitter cold Saturday, January 2, 2010 - the day after New Years! 700 Brooklynites and people from other communities braved the intense cold to come to participate in the first phase of a comprehensive foreclosure and mortgage restructuring program. So intent were these families to be part of the program, many actually started arriving at 7:00 AM. The temperature was 16 degrees!!  Fortunately for them, the Boys and Girls High security and custodial staff did not force them to suffer outside, but let them in to wait in the warmth of the auditorium. Fortunately, (hopefully) the week end of March 20 (the day before my birthday, March 21) will be beautiful, sunny and balmy.

It's a prelude to what used to be called the homebuying season. There are many "bargains" to be had now that the prices are beginning to come back down to reality, and the interest rates are low. You can actually purchase a home where the mortgage will be the same or less than your rent. This is the time to gather yourselves, family members, friends, and be there to take proper (notice I said proper) advantage of these opportunities to actually own a home that you can afford, live in and enjoy. NACA also controls your interactions with realtors to ensure you are receiving appropriate service in finding an affordable home, and are not being steered by some realtor into a purchase that is more motivated by their commission check than by your ongoing ability to pay and remain in your home. A prepared consumer is a successful consumer. So come out, learn to purchase a home the "NACA" way, and join the ranks of those who are becoming a force for good in your community, your neighborhood, your borough.

NACA was formed 23 years ago to address the then predatory practices that homebuyers faced in Boston, MA. Bruce Marks, at that time a union leader, began leading union members against banks that were guilty of redlining or charging overly high interest rates for homes in certain neighborhoods. Their success in forcing banks to provide equitable services through guerilla methods has saved thousands of homes, and has provided even more opportunities for low and moderate income hardworking Americans to be home owners. However, their program is neither based on income or credit rating. The premise is to control the cost of the property, to make sure the home is the primary residence and affordable.

Tensions that usually arise amongst individuals and families because of being victimized, are mitigated. The counselors from NACA make them realize that all have been ripped off by an uncaring system; that turning on each other does not resolve the problems.  The inordinate amount of cooperation to remedy toxic mortgages will be done as a community, as neighbors, not as adversaries. Divide and conquer has been the ruin of so many good intentions. NACA brings the cooperation, coordination, muscle, money and empowerment to help Main Streeters regardless of whether it’s saving or purchasing a home.

Of course the goal is to establish a permanent NACA Office in Brooklyn, NY. Currently the closest NACA center is in Newark, New Jersey,  in the Robert Treatt Hotel, 50 Park Place (next door to NJPAC).  It’s been there for nearly 10 years.  Needless to say they are inundated.  They are literally handling two states -- New York and New Jersey.  There are also three NACA Centers in Connecticut, one in Philadelphia, and one in Washington, DC.

For twenty-three years NACA has been in existence and has been in the service of fighting for people who have been ripped off by predatory lenders, red lined by banks, or whose mortgages started off low and ended up totally toxic.  NACA is a HUD approved non-profit organization.

To view the interviews with the participants at Boys and Girls High, NACA or the Javitts December Home Save workshop, log on to ON THE SPOT, www.onthespot.com.  For further detailed information on NACA, log on to www.naca.com. 

As new events are brought to the community, you can also check out this blog, gloria-dulan-Wilson.blogspot.com.  Make sure you spread the word and keep the knowledge going and growing. If you have recommendations or knowledge of other programs that would be beneficial to the Eclectically Black community, please feel free send it to us on the blog. We look forward to hearing from you.

Again, NACA in Brooklyn, Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the Bed-Stuy Multi-Services Center Auditorium, 1958 Fulton Street, between Ralph and Howard. Take the A/C train to Ralph Ave., the B 25 Bus to Ralph and Howard Stop. See you there.

Stay Blessed &
ECLETICALLY BLACK

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

NACA at Brooklyn’s Boys and Girls High a Success and only the Beginning

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

It was bitter cold on Saturday, January 2, 2010, but that didn’t stop nearly 700 Brooklynites and people from other communities from showing up at Boys and Girls High School, and participating in the first phase of a comprehensive foreclosure and mortgage restructuring program presented by NACA, the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America.

So intent were these families to be part of the program, many actually started arriving at 7:00 AM. The temperature was 16 degrees!! Fortunately for them, the Boys and Girls High security and custodial staff did not force them to suffer outside, but let them in to wait in the warmth of the auditorium.

In mid-December 2009 NACA brought their Save the Dream Team to the Javits Center for five days. They had more than 300 counselors and 80 banks on hand for instant remedies from the oppressively exorbitant mortgages, threats of foreclosure.

The Brooklyn event provided opportunity for registration and information for those who missed being serviced at Javits. Bruce Marks, founder and CEO of NACA realized that a great many New Yorkers had missed out, and extended the program to local communities in Brooklyn and Queens. Both workshops ran concurrently.

The mandatory two-hour workshop that NACA requires their clients to participate in before they provide any service to them, has now opened the door for full service for all those who attended Saturday's workshop.

There was some initial tension among some of the participants at Boys and Girls in reference who was to be served first. However, it was clarified that this was not a competition, that all of the participants were there because they have been ripped off, that turning on each other was not going to resolve the problems. It was going to take an inordinate amount of cooperation to make sure that not only would the toxic mortgages be remedied, but that we have to get through this as a community, as neighbors, not as adversaries. Divide and conquer has been the ruin of so many good intentions. Once the audience agreed to work together, it was truly inspirational to see people who may not have come in as friends, but left that way.

The financial predators who have already put them in this bind will find a different mindset as they go forth to resolve their mortgage problems: to never be victims again, and to always be informed. The spirit of cooperation in Boys and Girls High spoke volumes.

The workshop was led by NACA’s East Coast Regional Director, Ben Codjoe, and Newark, NJ Director, Kerrey Campbell. Cooperation from Boys and Girls High School Principal Bernard Gassaway, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke’s office, Assemblymembers Hakeem Jeffries, Annette Robinson, Nick Perry, Frank Boyland, Jr. helped get the word out. Rev. Aikens and members from Cornerstone Baptist and Antioch Church assisted in distribution of the manuals.

Participating in NACA’s training is mandatory. NACA is very strict in their formulation of helping people maintain affordable mortgages. Concomitant with their foreclosure prevention program is their home buyer program, which provides first time home buyers with “the best mortgage,” which include free down payment and closing costs, as well as a mortgage that is 1% below the current prime rate. But it’s all predicated on an informed and prepared consumer.

The massive turn out also pointed up the need for Brooklyn to have its own NACA center as soon as possible, if not sooner. It is a point that has been discussed on several occasions.

Founder, Bruce Marks, who provides the programs, manuals and services to the community free of charge, has expressed an interest and willingness to open a center in Brooklyn if he can get the space free of charge. It seems only fair, since they are providing a free service, that the space to do it in be available rent free (they will handle the utilities).

Currently the closest NACA center is in Newark New Jersey, in the Robert Treatt Hotel, 50 Park Place (next door to NJPAC). It’s been there for nearly 10 years. Needless to say they are inundated. They are literally handling two states -- New York and New Jersey. There are also three NACA Centers in Connecticut, one in Philadelphia, and one in Washington, DC.

According to Mr. Ben Codjoe, there would definitely be opportunities for training locally based counselors, and people with prior banking and mortgage experience, provided they are willing to learn to work the NACA way. There have been some individuals in the past who applied for positions for ulterior motives, and for that reason were not brought on board. According to Codjoe, “Mr. Marks is very clear and adamant about not circumventing the system. As long as things are done according to the NACA formula, most people's homes can be saved. It‘s when they want to undermine the program that things are derailed. We do not allow that to happen. And because of that we rub some lawyers and bankers the wrong way. But as long as it saves homes, at the end of the day, we‘d rather they be upset with us than the homeowners who are the true victims in this.”

For twenty-two years that NACA has been in existence has been in the service of fighting for those people who have been ripped off by predatory lenders, red lined by banks, or whose mortgages started off low and ended up totally toxic. NACA is a HUD approved non-profit organization, so donation of the office space would be tax deductible. The next event for First Time Homebuyers will be announced shortly.

Back to my previous statement: Brooklyn, and therefore New York, would benefit greatly from a centralized NACA office that would provide the services here that they have so diligently provided throughout the US. If possible, it should be near a subway or within easy commute for all. If you are aware of or have such a space, please feel free to text me at (718) 791-3804, or email me at gloriadulanwilson@gmail.com.

To view the interviews with the participants at Boys and Girls High, NACA workshop participants, log on to ON THE SPOT, www.onthespot.com. For further detailed information on NACA, log on to www.naca.com.

As new events are brought to the community, you can also check out this blog, gloria-dulan-Wilson.blogspot.com. Make sure you spread the word and keep the knowledge going and growing.

Stay Blessed &
ECLETICALLY BLACK

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

NACA HOME SAVE PROGRAM AT BOYS & GIRLS HIGH IN BROOKLYN JANUARY 2, 2010

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND AND GREAT NECESSITY NACA'S SAVE THE DREAM FORECLOSURE PREVENTION AT BOYS and GIRLS HIGH IN BROOKLYN JANUARY 2, 2010

BY Gloria Dulan-Wilson

I so am happy to announce that as a result of the overwhelming turn out, and the demand, NACA will be hosting a 2 HOUR WORKSHOP SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 2010, 1pm - 3pm at BOYS AND GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL, 1700 Harriett Tubman Way (1700 Fulton St.), in Brooklyn, NY.

So mark your calendars, clear your agendas; get your paperwork together.  It's the day after Kwanzaa, the Saturday after New Years day.  But more importantly, this is a second chance to receive assistance  WITH YOUR PROBLEM MORTGAGES, FORECLOSURE NOTICES AND AUCTION NOTICES, and TO SAVE YOUR HOMES. 

NACA, the acronym for the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, recently wrapped up a 5-day intensive, Save The Dream foreclosure prevention blitz at the Javits Center.  From Friday, December 11 through Tuesday, December 15, from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, nearly 12 hours a day, non-stop, they provided free, same day mortgage restructuring for New Yorkers and surrounding communities in the tri-state area.

More than 2000 homes were saved. To ensure complete and comprehensive service, they brought 320 counselors to New York City from North Carolina for their highly successful Home Save Program.

While the first day's turnout was sparse, by December 15, the final day, the line was around the block. Unfortunately, too many people waited until the last minute. Too many didn't believe that NACA could help. Too many had already taken their hard earned, hard to come by money (usually $3000.00) and gave it to "consultants" who promised to help but ripped them off instead. Too many tried to work things out with their banks, and found themselves ignored and disrespected, have become jaundiced, or stressed and distressed, and so have virtually given up. So many people arrived at Javits late in the day, much too late to receive any effective assistance, with less than 4 hours before the center closed, and hundreds already on line ahead of them.

So this is a second chance. NACA is back by popular demand and dire necessity. And this time they're in Brooklyn. If you are one of the people who bought an over priced property; have an over sized, unmanageable mortgage, and you don't know where your next dime is coming from that you need to be there.

You need to be the first in line to get the services that NACA is providing. If you're reading the latest dish on Tiger instead of focusing on the reduction in your mortgage payments, you are on the late show.

Though President Obama has done his best to negotiate with mercenary banks and mortgage companies to have mercy on home owners, the only organization that has really been able to bring them to heel is NACA. People came from New Jersey, Long Island, Atlanta, GA, Connecticut, DC, even as far away as California to Javits Center to have their mortgages restructured. The great thing is that this time NACA will be in Brooklyn. This is a win-win situation.

Bruce Marks founded NACA 22 years ago as a result of predatory lending practices in Boston.  A union leader at the time, Marks found out that his fellow union members were being redlined, gouged, denied, and put into situations that were untenable. Over the past 22 years, NACA has put together a precision package that has made a critical difference, not just in Boston, but throughout the US. So much so that his organization is endorsed by HUD as the go-to people to save homes.

By the way, NACA works with first time homebuyers as well, providing counseling, training, down payment, closing costs, and mortgages one percent below prime. So either way, you can't afford to not be there.

Live coverage of NACA's Home Save Project can be viewed online at www.onthespot.com.

So start off 2010 with the peace of mind that the roof over your head is secure. Even those who have joined the ranks of the recently unemployed or under employed will be able to get assistance through NACA.

I think I've made myself quite clear. If you don't own a home, but know someone who does, someone who is struggling with high mortgage payments, who has an auction date-- pass this on to them. Do not sit on it. If you are a church group, a non-profit organization, a union member, a legislator or an elected official -- tell your congregation, constituents and compadres.

NACA IS AT BOYS AND GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL, SATURDAY JANUARY 2, 2010, 1pm to 3pm. See you there.

Those of you who want more information about NACA's history and services, log on to www.naca.com.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

LAST DAY FOR NACA SAME DAY HOME SAVE FROM FORECLOSURE AT THE JAVITS - GET YOURSELVES THERE!

TODAY IS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2009, AND BROOKLYNITES, AND THE REST OF THE 5 BOROUGHS HAVE EXACTLY 8 HOURS TO GET TO JAVITS WITH YOUR PROBLEM MORTGAGES, FORECLOSURE NOTICES AND AUCTION NOTICES TO SAVE YOUR PROPERTIES.

by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

There is an etiquette in the blogosphere that says when you write in all caps, it is considered shouting. Well I am shouting, because I need to get your attention.

Now I don't have to be any more graphic than that do I? Do I have to say it's 12:30 in the morning, do you know where your bank's loan modification server is? The unfortunate truth is that many of those in distress probably know more about Tiger Wood's misfortune than their own. Many are more informed about what is going to happen to his multi-millions of dollars than they are about where they're going to get the next month's money for their mortgage.

Do I have to those of you, who are one of the people who bought into an over priced property, with an over sized, unmanageable mortgage, and you don't know where your next dime is coming from that you need to be the first in line to get the same day service that NACA is providing free to the public, and if you're reading the Daily News latest dish on Tiger instead of the reduction in your mortgage payments, that you are on the late show?

Do I have to say that while President Obama has done the best he could to negotiate with mercenary banks ad mortgage companies to have mercy on home owners, but the only organization that has really been able to bring them to heel is NACA, the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, and while people are coming from New Jersey, Long Island, Connecticut, DC, even as far away as California, New Yorkers are sleeping on an opportunity that will save the very rooves over your heads.

I just spent the past three days at the Javits Center witnessing for my self people walking in looking as if they were on their last legs, dancing out praising NACA for having reduced their interest rates from 7.6% to 3%, and changing the mortgage from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate for the life of the loan (25 to 30 years or more). They brought 320 counselors from all over the US to provide face-to-face, hands on assistance to distressed homeowners. This is a win-win situation.

I interviewed Bruce Marks, the genius who founded NACA 22 years ago as a result of predatory lending practices in Boston. A union leader at the time, Marks found out that his fellow union members were being redlined, gouged, denied, and put into situations that were untenable. Over the past 22 years, NACA has put together a precision package that has made a critical difference, not just in Boston, but throughout the US. So much so that his organization is endorsed by HUD as the go-to people to save homes. The interview can be viewed online on www.onthespot.com.

But, why wait for the "movie", when the reality of saving your home is so much more compelling. Don't continue to be part of the statistics that depict homeowners in a deplorable state, at the mercy of lenders. It's time to take back your power, and the roof over your head. It's a subway/bus ride away to Javits Center.

And since most of the problems are being resolved the same day -- yes, I said the same day -- right then and there, this would probably be the best Christmas, Kwanzaa, gift you could give yourselves and your families. The peace of mind that the roof over your head is secure. Even those who have joined the ranks of the recently unemployed or under employed will be able to get assistance through NACA.

Now that I've gotten your attention, let me also say that they will be at the Jacob Javits Center today, Tuesday, December 15, all day from 9:00 AM til 8:00 PM.

Commedian D. L Hughley said on KISS-FM, after having paid a visit to the event on Friday, "This is no joke folks, get your stuff and get there. They are really doing same day restructuring of mortgages. Don't miss out."

I think I've made myself quite clear. If you don't own a home, but know someone who does, who is struggling -- pass this on to them. Do not sit on it. If you are part of a non-profit organization, and the most you've been able to get is a three-month trial modification or forebearance, send them to NACA at the Javits. It's about saving lives - homes - our community.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria Dulan-Wilson




I sent the following message out a few days ago. People from all over the tri-state area responded. New Yorkers, who have the highest rents and mortgages on the planet, appear to be comatose. I wonder if there's something in the water? That would explain why the water bills are so high. Anyway, I digress. This is the press release I sent out ahead of the event:

Subject: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NACA'S SAVE THE DREAM FORECLOSURE PREVENTION AT JAVITS CENTER

For home owners and wannabe homeowners, NACA, the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, will be at the Jacob Javits Center Friday, December 11 thru Tuesday, December 15, with their HOME SAVE PROGRAM, that has been instrumental in saving thousands of homes from foreclosure via complete and total restructuring of mortgage payments (as opposed to temporary modifications). The same day service has been performed now in 13 other states.

This is the first time NACA has brought their SAVE THE DREAM to the New York area. They have successfully saved homes in Atlanta, GA, Washington, DC, North and South Carolina.

Take advantage of this opportunity; pass it on to your friends, associates, neighbors or any one you are aware of who may be facing dire straits during this pervasive economic downturn.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

You guys, I have been trying to get NACA in Brooklyn for over a year now, because we need them. They not only prevent foreclosures, but they are the only program that actually provides you with free down payment and closing costs, and a full, 30 year fixed mortgage that is 1% below the prime interest rate. What's not to like? What's not to support? They're in nearly every state in the US, except New York, not because we are soooo special, but because we are on the late show. And while we struggle, or have to cross the Hudson and go to Newark for assistance, others are benefitting from their services.

Wake up New York, the world is eating your lunch, and you're about to be replaced by those who can afford what the greedy have made unaffordable for you. NACA may be able to stop the madness. But it's time for you to educate yourselves. Don't keep beating the stimulus package drum. Go on line. Educate yourselves about NACA. They've been around for 22 years. They didn't just start yesterday. And they're here to help.

I'm on my way to Javits. Hope I'll see you there.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson