The security and pride that comes with homeownership is an exciting part of the American Dream – and rightfully so. Unfortunately,
government officials are attempting to strip this dream away from millions of disadvantaged Americans by eliminating one of the country’s most important privately-funded, non-profit housing programs.
Officials at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have proposed a rule that would end programs that have helped more than one million people become homeowners.
The loss of these programs would have a devastating impact on families and communities, as well as all the real estate and lending professionals whose livelihoods depend on the sale and purchase of homes.
The HUD rule would:
- Hurt hard working families, including minorities, immigrants, women and single-parent households who are most in need of financial help.
- Force low- and middle-income families into predatory sub-prime mortgages.
- Force the government to spend your taxpayer dollars to create a replacement program.
We have less than a month to take action. Act now and tell HUD to withdraw the rule!
Dear [Decision maker],
In reference to Docket FR-5087-P-01, Title Standards for Mortgagor's Investment in Mortgaged Property:
The programs that HUD wants to eliminate help people become financially independent and increase affordable housing and community development. Getting rid of them makes no sense - as new homeowners build equity and financial stability, they have a positive impact on both the housing market and the economy as a whole.
Helping people become homeowners adds to the tax base, improves communities, helps children do better in school, reduces crime and helps people gain wealth through the equity in their home. Home equity is a family's biggest asset and is often used to fund school tuition and retirement. Homeownership should be encouraged for all, and that's exactly what downpayment assistance does.
If the government places a high priority on increasing homeownership (as it says), how does it make sense to end such a successful affordable housing program? It doesn't cost taxpayers anything.
I strongly oppose the HUD rule that would eliminate this essential program.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
