Custom Search

11.21.2008

When the Roof Caves In: Foreclosures and the City

WHEN THE ROOF CAVES IN:
FORECLOSURES AND THE CITY
Leaders from the battalions of New York's foreclosure-fighters came together recently to talk about bad lending, good new laws, and the kind of bailout local folks would appreciate.

By Jarrett Murphy and Karen Loew

Coming at the subprime lending and foreclosure crisis from different angles, the conversation participants gathered at the Center for New York City Neighborhoods, a stone's throw from Wall Street. Photos by Elise Kirk

The recent collapse of some of the nation's largest financial institutions is understood as the crashing of a wave set in motion by years of poor lending practices, corrupt securities schemes and lax oversight. But for thousands of New Yorkers, the wave is still crashing – as they confront untenable mortgages, potential loan defaults, and even the loss of their dwellings. In 2007, there were 15,000 foreclosure filings citywide. And experts say that in New York City, the foreclosure crisis has not even crested.

One response has been the creation of the independent nonprofit Center for New York City Neighborhoods to coordinate the many foreclosure prevention and mitigation programs. On September 25, the director of that organization sat down with City Limits Investigations Editor Jarrett Murphy and other leaders working to address the local crisis to discuss where we are and what can be done. What follows are highlights from that conversation.

More HERE


Job Opportunity: Executive Director

HR Anew is seeking an entrepreneurial minded and innovative Executive Director for a public housing authority in Louisiana. Responsibilities include lead, cultivate, and facilitate the agency’s vision, mission, and strategic goals; design, develop, and implement local and national outreach programs that cultivate functional relationships with major companies, associations, non-profit organizations, and universities across the United States to facilitate public information and preparedness in support of the agency’s vision.

10 years’ experience, including 5 years senior management experience in large scale public housing, affordable housing, or real estate redevelopment; Masters Degree in public administration, social science or other related program such as urban planning, community development, finance or business administration; exceptional influential, collaboration, interpersonal, and conflict management skills. Competitive compensation and benefits. Send cover letter, resume, and salary expectations to Virginia Townsend, HR Anew, 6350 Stevens Forest Road, Suite 302, Columbia, MD, 21046; 410-381-5220 office, 410-381-5229 fax; vtownsend@hranew.com

Stephanie Scrouse
Recruitment Consultant,
HR Anew
sscrouse@hranew.com
410.351.5229 (fax)
6350 Stevens Forest Rd
Columbia, MD 21046. EOE

New! Advertise on Housing Research.org

Ad rates effective 11/1/08

Banner advertising on Housing Research Foundation offers a cost effective method for putting your product or service in front of a valuable housing and community development audience, with a demonstrated interest in housing and community development issues. Our site is read by more than 2,500 unique visitors daily (on average), and most read more than just the first page presented. Average page views each day are just over 5,000. We find that many of our readers visit the site several times each week, giving advertisers the benefit of repeat impressions in a brief period of time.

If your target market includes housing agencies or people working in the housing and community development industry, we can get your message in front of them quickly and effectively, with the added benefit of immediate click-through to your site.

We offer two types of banners, the sidebar ad zones shown on the right side in five zone areas, and narrow horizontal footer ads which display between each post.

Ad rates for the sidebar zones are based on vertical placement, and advertisers can select a zone based on their desire for prominence, their budget restrictions, and availability within our ad zones.

Placement within the zone which you select to start a campaign is guaranteed - you won't be bumped down - but you may move your ad up (or down) into a different zone as they become available if that is preferred.

All rates are prepaid. We accept major credit cards through PayPal.


If you would like to contact us about advertising or zone availability on the Housing Research Foundation, or simply have additional questions, please email us at: HousingResearch.org@GMail.com

A member of our staff will be in touch with you by return email as soon as possible.

The Housing Research Directory of HOPE VI Consultants

NEW! Join Housing Research.org Directory of Consultants

It's easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Just write us at: HousingResearch.org@GMail.com saying your interested in our new Housing Research.org Directory of Consultants.

2. We will send you a form to fill out via email.

3. You will make a once a year payment of $225.00 (this will help in the cost of operating the website and blog) and your name will be included in our data base and on our website/blog.

That's it. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

For your protection, all payments are made through PayPal through a corporate or personal American Express, Master Card, Visa or Discover Card.

Once payment has been processed a confirmation receipt will be sent via email by PayPal and HousingResearch.org.

For further information on the registration and payment process write us at: HousingResearch.org@GMail.com

Housing Job Opportunities

POSITION/TITLE: Fair Housing Specialist

AGENCY: Miami Valley Fair Housing Center, Inc.

LOCATION: Dayton, OH

CLOSING DATE: November 28, 2008

DATE SUBMITTED: November 7, 2008

SALARY/BENEFITS: Commensurate with candidate's experience and the Center's financial resources, plus group health insurance, life insurance, disability insurance (subject to approval by insurance carrier), retirement, and paid vacation. Range: $24,000 - $28,000

RESPONSIBLE TO: President/CEO

JOB DESCRIPTION: Under the direction of the President/CEO or his designee, the Fair Housing Specialist is responsible for the implementation the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center's core programs under a Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other tasks as assigned. The Fair Housing Specialist is directly responsible for: (a) discrimination complaint intake; (b) implementation of MVFHC investigation and testing programs; (c) the development, management, documentation, and completion of housing discrimination cases; and (d) participation and assistance in the promotion and conduct of fair housing planning outreach and education activities for consumers, property owner/management companies, as well as community-based and quasi/governmental agencies; other Fair Housing Center staff, volunteers, board members, or others, as required or assigned.

The Fair Housing Specialist is also responsible for the implementation of activities conducted under various other program components of the MVFHC including special initiatives, HUD/Fair Housing Initiatives Programs (FHIP), local projects, and other agency workload insofar as these activities involve discrimination intake, testing, fair housing planning, and education and outreach. This position will work throughout MVFHC's service delivery area. Travel throughout the service delivery area is also required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Interview housing discrimination complaints; conduct intake of bona fide complaints.

2. Recruit, train, brief, deploy and debrief fair housing investigators in connection with bona-fide complaints in the house rental, sales, appraisal, insurance and lender markets; also conduct housing discrimination audits.

3. After complaints intake, work with other MVFHC personnel to establish an investigative plan for all discrimination complaints to include conduct of informal investigations and/or comprehensive testing functions.

4. Analyze test results to determine outcome of test and prepare appropriate investigative findings for rights enforcement referrals; conduct case management and follow-up with all enforcement agencies and attorney to whom cases have been referred.

5. Develop written materials, brochures and other handouts for purposes of fair housing education and outreach as needed; implement all other outreach activities involving other MVFHC personnel to create and disseminate fair housing Public Service Announcements (PSAs), flyers, brochures and other written materials.

6. Conduct continual outreach to fair housing consumers and providers in order to develop education presentation opportunities; work with other MVFHC personnel to insure coordinated fair housing education effort for housing consumers and providers.

7. Research, draft and update Analysis' of Impediments and Fair Housing Plans as assigned.

8. Network with other community based organizations, real estate professionals and other housing professionals to create opportunities for fair housing education programs.

9. Coordinate program activities with all MVFHC staff.

10. Assist with other MVFHC programs and events as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful applicant must possess extensive knowledge of federal and state fair housing laws.

Public/private fair housing enforcement experience preferred. Candidate must have excellent verbal, written communication, analytical, and counseling skills. Must be able to work with a diverse community. Also must be able to exhibit patience, tact and respect when dealing with the general public and other MVFHC staff members. She/He must be able to conduct small and large group presentations; must have excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills. Experience with computers required – working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, required – familiarity with Adobe PageMaker desk-top publishing and other software desirable. She/He must be a self-starter and able to function with minimum supervision to perform tasks in a timely fashion; must also be able to function as a team player.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of B.S., B.A. in appropriate discipline (Liberal Arts, Sociology, Psychology, Urban Studies, Law, etc.) and/or equivalent work experience in equal opportunity — fair housing issues required. Experience in a social service or public entity desirable; a minimum of one year of fair housing experience with a fair housing organization or similar private or public sector entity preferred. Applicants with direct experience in fair housing planning or lending and insurance testing programs will receive additional consideration in the application process.

Candidate must have a desire to work on behalf of civil rights protections; have a desire to work and interact with, as well as demonstrate respect for individuals and groups without regard to race, religion, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, familial status, or disability.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires non-traditional work hours for planning and/or enforcement activities as well as education and outreach activities (i.e., Saturday mornings or early evening, weekdays).

The Miami Valley Fair Housing Center, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The MVFHC is a barrier-free, drug-free and smoke-free workplace.

ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION METHODS: Mail resume, fax resume, e-mail resume

CONTACT INFORMATION: Please send resume and cover letter explaining your interest in this position, via regular mail, email, or facsimile transmission to:

Jim McCarthy, President/CEO
Miami Valley Fair Housing Center, Inc.
21-23 East Babbitt Street
Dayton, OH 45405
FAX: (937) 223-6279

E-mail: career@mvfairhousing.com


POSITION/TITLE: Housing Development/Finance Specialist

AGENCY: Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati

LOCATION: Cincinnati

CLOSING DATE: 1/15/09

DATE SUBMITTED: 11/10/08

SALARY/BENEFITS: Eligible for the annual staff incentive program with the opportunity to receive up to 10% bonus of base pay.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, a $87+ billion financial institution, is one of the twelve District Banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. We’re helping to build stronger communities by expanding housing and economic development opportunities through the provision of loans and other banking services to community financial institutions in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. We recognize and appreciate the valuable contribution of a diverse workforce.

Provides technical expertise for the Housing and Community Investment (HCI) programs. Acts as a principal resource for information about the requirements and limits of other funding sources and programs and how they can be used in conjunction with HCI programs. Assists in maintaining documentation about HCI programs and in maintaining the on-line Affordable Housing Program (AHP) application. Assumes responsibility for resolving compliance and funding issues with complex AHP and other HCI projects and makes recommendations to senior management. Responds to technical assistance requests, and assists in administering HCI programs.

QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge at a level normally acquired through completion of a Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, or a related field to acquire the technical background necessary to perform assigned duties. A minimum of five years experience in housing activities, with at least three years as a housing development or housing program professional with experience in conceptualizing and developing housing projects, securing state and federal funding, other equity and long-term debt, and other required approvals.

Normal working hours for this position are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position requires flexibility to meet tight deadlines. Travel throughout the district may be required.

ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION METHODS: Mail resume, fax resume, e-mail resume

CONTACT INFORMATION: PO Box 598
Attn: Human Resources
Cincinnati, OH 45201

F: 513-852-5745
Email: job@fhlbcin.com


POSITION/TITLE: Housing Program Assistant

AGENCY: Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati

LOCATION: Cincinnati

CLOSING DATE: 1/15/09

DATE SUBMITTED: 11/10/08

SALARY/BENEFITS: Eligible for the annual staff incentive plan with the opportunity to receive up to 5% of base salary.

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, a $87+ billion financial institution, is one of the twelve District Banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. We’re helping to build stronger communities by expanding housing and economic development opportunities through the provision of loans and other banking services to community financial institutions in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. We recognize and appreciate the valuable contribution of a diverse workforce.

Assists with the technical functions of the Housing and Community Investment Department, including initial and long-term monitoring of Affordable Housing Program (AHP) funds, disbursement of AHP grant funds for owner-occupied housing projects, and other related support activities.

QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge at a level normally acquired through the completion of an Associate Degree in business with concentration in accounting or finance plus one to two years related business experience. Candidate must possess interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with Bank personnel, member institutions and a variety of developers and agencies in a professional manner. Must have the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and continually demonstrate professionalism, tact and diplomacy. Effective oral and written communication skills also required plus intermediate skills using Word, Excel, and Access.

Candidate should have basic familiarity with federal, state and local housing programs and related regulations preferred. This includes the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program, various HUD programs, state housing finance agency programs in all states being served, and local housing programs, including tax incentive programs.

ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION METHODS: Mail resume, fax resume, e-mail resume

CONTACT INFORMATION: PO Box 598
Attn: Human Resources
Cincinnati, OH 45201

F: 513-852-5745
Email: job@fhlbcin.com


POSITION/TITLE: Staff Attorney, Housing Equality Law Project

AGENCY: SOUTHERN MINNESOTA REGIONAL LEGAL SERVICES (SMRLS)

LOCATION: St. Paul, Minnesota

CLOSING DATE:

DATE SUBMITTED: 11/3/2008

SALARY/BENEFITS: $43,000 and up D.O.E., pursuant to scale. Excellent medical benefits provided.

JOB DESCRIPTION: SMRLS is seeking a staff attorney for its St. Paul, Minnesota office. The position will focus on serving the civil legal needs of low-income persons relating to enforcing their right to fair housing. This position will serve eligible clients in the 33 counties served by SMRLS.

SMRLS is a non-profit law firm which receives federal, state, local, public, and private funding to provide free legal help to low-income and elderly people who reside in 33 counties of southern Minnesota. As Minnesota’s oldest legal aid program (founded in 1909), SMRLS has established a tradition of partnership with the private bar, a bipartisan legislature, the Supreme Court and other Minnesota Legal Services Coalition programs in providing access to justice. SMRLS has an experienced, dynamic staff of 61 attorneys, 45 additional staff and 500 volunteer attorneys to provide legal assistance to 208,000 eligible persons. SMRLS is a client-centered organization which is committed to its mission of providing a full range of high quality legal services, in a respectful manner, which enables clients to enforce their legal rights; to maintain freedom from hunger, homelessness, sickness and abuse; and to empower persons and ensure equal opportunity, thus, helping persons to help themselves and to become economically self-reliant. SMRLS values, welcomes, and promotes diversity in all aspects of its work. SMRLS has adopted practice expectations and guiding principles to accomplish its mission.

Responsibilities: To provide legal assistance on housing matters to eligible clients in SMRLS’ service area. The services provided include but are not limited to legal advice, representation in the courts at all levels and before administrative agencies, community education, outreach and private bar activities. The attorney will be expected to take on such other administrative responsibilities that SMRLS’ leadership shall direct from time-to-time. The attorney must accept supervision and fully comply with SMRLS written practice standards, guiding principles, and other SMRLS Board policies in furtherance of SMRLS’ Mission.

QUALIFICATIONS: Must be licensed to practice in Minnesota. Experience in housing or poverty law preferred. Non-academic experiences related to working in a low-income community setting and background or other activities that demonstrate a commitment to and experience in working with communities of color, in particular, are preferred and will be given great weight. The ability to respect and relate to low-income persons, public speaking ability, good writing skills, ability to work constructively with a wide variety of persons, initiative, flexibility in work assignments, good judgment, ability to learn quickly, ability to work hard and independently and under pressure are required.

ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION METHODS: Mail resume, fax resume, e-mail resume

CONTACT INFORMATION: Maria L. Giese
SMRLS - Administrative Unit
166 E. 4th Street, Suite 200
St. Paul, MN 55101


POSITION/TITLE: Development Disabilities Peer/Self Advocacy Coordinator

AGENCY: Disability Rights California

LOCATION: Oakland

CLOSING DATE: 11/14/08

DATE SUBMITTED: 10/17/08

SALARY/BENEFITS: Compensation: $21.03-$28.22/hour; $41,016-$55,032/year; DOE

Disability Rights California provides a generous benefit package that includes: medical, dental, flexible spending accounts (e.g., medical and dependent care), basic, life, short- and long-term disability insurances; voluntary vision, supplemental life and long-term care; paid holiday, sick and vacation time-off; and a significant company contribution to the retirement plan.

RESPONSIBLE TO:

JOB DESCRIPTION: MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Join a progressive state-wide non-profit disability rights organization that is truly committed to advancing the human and legal rights of people with disabilities. Disability Rights California has a full time Development Disabilities Peer/Self Advocacy Coordinator position for a detail oriented individual to conduct training, education, and consultation to self-advocacy groups and consumers in Oakland or Los Angeles. This is an excellent opportunity to do work that makes a difference.

QUALIFICATIONS: THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE MET:

1. Completion of twelfth grade, or equivalent, PLUS two years of experience in the provision of client advocacy to individuals with developmental disabilities. (Up to 1 year of higher education may be substituted on a year-by-year basis for experience).

2. Currently receiving or have received services from the developmental disabilities service system.

3. One year of experience and ability to work effectively with a variety of organizations including Self Advocacy groups and individuals with diverse perspectives.

4. One year experience in leading peer/self advocacy groups or providing other peer services.

5. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally with or without accommodation.

6. One Year experience in developing and presenting training materials.

7. Demonstrated ability to organize a demanding workload including setting priorities, goals, and schedules.

8. Demonstrated ability to effectively participate as a member of a team using consensus decision making.

9. Experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons with disabilities.

10. Demonstrated ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision, be a self-starter and reliable.

11. Experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons from multi-ethnic communities.

12. Willingness and ability to travel throughout the state of California and work nights and weekends when needed.

13. Commitment to outreaching to people with disabilities from underserved communities.

ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION METHODS: Mail resume, call office, fill out application

CONTACT INFORMATION: If you are interested in applying for this position, it is extremely important you complete the required application packet and submit to the Human Resources Department by November 14, 2008. To obtain the detailed job description and required application packet you may visit www.disabilityrightsca.org or call 916-658-2659 to have the packet mailed to you. Resumes received without all of the required application materials will not be considered.


POSITION/TITLE: Development Disabilities Peer/Self Advocacy Coordinator

AGENCY: Disability Rights California

LOCATION: Los Angeles

CLOSING DATE: 11/14/08

DATE SUBMITTED: 10/17/08

SALARY/BENEFITS: SALARY RANGE: $21.03-$28.22/hour; $41,016-$55,032/year; DOE

FRINGE BENEFITS:

Disability Rights California provides a generous benefit package that includes: medical, dental, flexible spending accounts (e.g., medical and dependent care), basic, life, short- and long-term disability insurances; voluntary vision, supplemental life and long-term care; paid holiday, sick and vacation time-off; and a significant company contribution to the retirement plan.

JOB DESCRIPTION: MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Join a progressive state-wide non-profit disability rights organization that is truly committed to advancing the human and legal rights of people with disabilities. Disability Rights California has a full time Development Disabilities Peer/Self Advocacy Coordinator position for a detail oriented individual to conduct training, education, and consultation to self-advocacy groups and consumers in Oakland or Los Angeles. This is an excellent opportunity to do work that makes a difference.

QUALIFICATIONS: THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS MUST BE MET:

1. Completion of twelfth grade, or equivalent, PLUS two years of experience in the provision of client advocacy to individuals with developmental disabilities. (Up to 1 year of higher education may be substituted on a year-by-year basis for experience).

2. Currently receiving or have received services from the developmental disabilities service system.

3. One year of experience and ability to work effectively with a variety of organizations including Self Advocacy groups and individuals with diverse perspectives.

4. One year experience in leading peer/self advocacy groups or providing other peer services.

5. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly in writing and orally with or without accommodation.

6. One Year experience in developing and presenting training materials.

7. Demonstrated ability to organize a demanding workload including setting priorities, goals, and schedules.

8. Demonstrated ability to effectively participate as a member of a team using consensus decision making.

9. Experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons with disabilities.

10. Demonstrated ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision, be a self-starter and reliable.

11. Experience working with and/or sensitivity to persons from multi-ethnic communities.

12. Willingness and ability to travel throughout the state of California and work nights and weekends when needed.

13. Commitment to outreaching to people with disabilities from underserved communities.

ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION METHODS: Mail resume, call office, fill out application

CONTACT INFORMATION: If you are interested in applying for this position, it is extremely important you complete the required application packet and submit to the Human Resources Department by November 14, 2008. To obtain the detailed job description and required application packet you may visit www.disabilityrightsca.org or call 916-658-2659 to have the packet mailed to you. Resumes received without all of the required application materials will not be considered.


POSITION/TITLE: Program Director for Curriculum and Instruction

AGENCY: Graduate School, USDA

LOCATION: Washington, DC

CLOSING DATE: November 7, 2008

DATE SUBMITTED: October 30, 2007

RESPONSIBLE TO: Program Administrator

JOB DESCRIPTION: Essential Duties must be performed on site. Other duties or tasks may be assigned.

• Work with the Executive Director of NFHTA as well as other fair housing organizations and entities in identifying areas of concentration for specific education, training and outreach activities;
• Supervise the day-to-day operation of the NFHTA;
• Responsible for budget formulation and implementation;
• Chair the NFHTA Curriculum Committee;
• Attend management meetings and make observations regarding opportunities to partner with regions, private sector organizations and state agencies to increase the NFHTA participant enrollments;
• Assess, interview and hire faculty;
• Evaluate curriculum for accuracy, content, currency and relevance;
• Assist with the marketing of the NFHTA at conferences, meetings and community events;
• Prepare relevant fair housing related speeches and presentations;
• Assist Executive Director with the development of a recruitment strategy for the NFHTA Steering Committee;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the USDA Graduate School, Academy faculty members, NHFTA National Steering Committee, HUD’s FHEO, Fair Housing Assistance Program Directors, contractors and vendors;
• Manage administrative staff and perform other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The ability to communicate and relate effectively with diverse participants, employees, partners, stakeholders and faculty is imperative. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified applicants with disabilities to perform the job essential functions.

Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in education, business. or related field and one year adult education and training experience.
5-7 years experience working in fair housing environment with a federal, state or local government or private fair housing organization.
Strong knowledge and skills in curriculum development; and program and project management.
Knowledge of Fair Housing Assistance Program and Fair Housing Initiative Program operations is desired.
Familiarity with HUD, FHIPs, FHAPs, and fair housing is a plus.
Public speaking skills and high level writing abilities are a must.

ACCEPTABLE APPLICATION METHODS: fax resume, e-mail resume

CONTACT INFORMATION: Interested candidates should forward their resume with cover letter and salary requirements to hr.resume@grad.usda.gov or fax to 202-479-4971. No relocation expenses will be paid. EOE.

Closing Date: November 7, 2008 at 4:00 pm (EST).