Church and charitable organizations have always stepped up to the plate to aid the homeless. But what about helping prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place? That is the goal of a national network of faith-based groups, homeowners and community organizers who met with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner earlier this month to talk about the issue of home foreclosures.
Specifically, the groups are critical of how the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) has been implemented, according to an article by Jena Law of Religion News Service.
Enacted after President Obama took office, the program was to have provided relief for as many as 3 million families. However, only about half of the families have been given relief, according to the network.
I don’t know if Geithner and gang have any intention of seriously addressing the issues raised by the network, which also advocates a temporary ban on foreclosures, but the organizations are doing the right thing by joining forces and going to the top to speak on behalf of those who have no voice.
As Jennifer Murphy, director of lender service relations for the Center of New York City Neighborhoods said: “The American people saved the banks. Now it’s time for the banks to save the American people.” Representatives said they hope to meet with Geitner again within 30 days of their last meeting.
