 NEDAP News | Vol. 1 Issue 7 | July 2006
Welcome to the July edition of NEDAP News, the monthly
e-newsletter of the Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project.
Foreclosure Rescue Scammers Sent Packing - New Law Enacted!
On July 26, New York's Home Equity Theft Prevention Act was signed into law, creating important protections for homeowners in foreclosure who've been increasingly targeted by "foreclosure rescue" scammers that have cropped up across our state. The new law is a great victory for NEDAP and all our coalition partners in New Yorkers for Responsible Lending, which has worked for the past two years to educate New Yorkers about foreclosure rescue, or "deed theft," scams and press for a strong state law. The new law goes into effect in February 2007, and will go a very long way towards curbing deed theft in our state. CLICK HERE for more information about the new law.
NEDAP Surveys Immigrant New York
NEDAP and the Immigrant Financial Justice Network have launched a survey of immigrants' financial services experiences and needs. Survey findings will be used to support neighborhood-based and city-wide campaigns to improve access to banking, lending and money transfer services for immigrant New Yorkers. The survey is being administered in multiple languages and in neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs. Along with the survey, NEDAP is distributing know-your-rights brochures and providing assistance to immigrants who have experienced discrimination in the financial services system. Groups interested in having NEDAP conduct surveys with their constituents should call Dey Del Rio at 212 680-5100, ext 209.
NEDAP Testifies before the Department of Consumer Affairs
On June 12, Claudia Wilner, staff attorney for NEDAP's Consumer Financial Justice Project, testified at a public hearing on debt collection practices held by the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). Detailing the experiences of Hotline callers, Claudia provided examples of how aggressive and abusive tactics by debt collectors in New York have brought hardship to consumers in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and communities of color. Claudia concluded her testimony by offering NEDAP's recommendations on how DCA can take strong action against debt collection lawsuit abuse. CLICK HERE to read her testimony.
Community Trainings Round-Up
This month, NEDAP led a series of community outreach sessions on predatory lending, including a workshop at the Saratoga branch of the Brooklyn Public Library; a town hall meeting, organized in cooperation with Bedford-Stuyvesant's leading community development organizations; and a community education session for 60 prospective homebuyers at Margert Community Corporation, in Far Rockaway, Queens. NEDAP also led trainings on identity theft and consumer credit issues at Coop Village NORC on Manhattan's Lower East Side. CLICK HERE to request a NEDAP training for your community, or call 212-680-5100.
Hotline Advises 1,000th caller!
On June 29, NEDAP recorded its 1,000th caller to the NYC Financial Justice Hotline since the Hotline began operation ten months ago. The Hotline helps low income New Yorkers assert their rights when dealing with debt collectors, financial institutions and credit reporting agencies. Organizations and advocates are encouraged to make the Hotline number, 212-925-4929, available to their members and constituents.
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