DPAgroundswell

Rep. Capuano Cosponsors H.R. 600

On 4/28/09, Rep. Michael E. Capuano (MA-8) signed on to cosponsor H.R. 600, FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform Act of 2009. This bi-partisan bill, sponsored by Rep. Al Green (TX-09), will create a new, reformed seller-funded downpayment assistance program.

Currently, a total of 18 members of the House have agreed to cosponsor the bill.

Source: Library of Congress - Thomas

2 More Members of the House of Representatives Cosponsor H.R. 600

On 3/23/09, 2 members of Congress signed on to cosponsor H.R. 600, FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform Act of 2009. This bi-partisan bill, sponsored by Rep. Al Green (TX-09), will create a new, reformed seller-funded downpayment assistance program. 

Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. [IL-9] - 3/23/2009
Rep Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [VA-3] - 3/23/2009

Currently, a total of 17 members of the House have agreed to cosponsor the bill.

Source: Library of Congress - Thomas

Scott Syphax on The Mortgage Mile

On Thursday, March 5, Scott Syphax, President and CEO of Nehemiah Corporation of America, talked to Jeff Belonger, the host of The Mortgage Mile, a weekly Blog Talk Radio show about mortgages and real estate. Scott spoke about H.R. 600 and the positive impacts that a new, reformed downpayment assistance (DPA) program will have on homeownership and the economy.

Download MP3 6MB

Note: Scott’s interview begins at 10:00 minutes into the show.

More Members of Congress Support H.R. 600

On 2/25/09, 4 members of Congress signed on to cosponsor H.R. 600, FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform Act of 2009. This bi-partisan bill, sponsored by Rep. Al Green (TX-09), will create a new, reformed seller-funded downpayment assistance program.

1. Rep Clarke, Yvette D. [NY-11] - 2/25/2009
2. Rep Connolly, Gerald E. "Gerry" [VA-11] - 2/25/2009
3. Rep Lee, Barbara [CA-9] - 2/25/2009
4. Rep Thompson, Bennie G. [MS-2] - 2/25/2009

Currently, a total of 15 members of the House have agreed to cosponsor the bill.

Source: Library of Congress - Thomas

Tell Your DPA Story

Share your passion with the rest of the Groundswell2 community. Whether you're a gift recipient, housing professional, or have been touched in another way, tell us your story. Share why you care at the DPA Groundswell Blog—make it personal, make it real.

click here

For Housing Professionals: Reach Out

Housing professionals, you've seen firsthand the massive economic good that DPA can create. You also know the program and people involved better than any other group—it's time to reach out to your professional network as well as those you have helped into homes with DPA and involve them in our efforts to restore it. Consider inviting everyone to come together and visit your elected officials with you—make it fun and ask us for help.

Also, contact your Outreach Area Manager for more information on how to create a groundswell of support for H.R. 600 and DPA in your community.

Join the Groundswell2 DPA Reform Campaign

Groundswell2 is looking for housing professionals, housing advocates, and program beneficiaries to join our grassroots campaign. Contact your Outreach Area Manager for more information on how to create a groundswell of support for H.R. 600 and DPA reform in your community.

Members of Congress Support H.R. 600

H.R. 600, FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform Act of 2009, a bi-partisan bill sponsored by Rep. Al Green (TX-09) to reinstate downpayment assistance was introduced on January 16, 2009. Currently, 11 members of the House have signed-on to cosponsor the bill.

1. Rep Bishop, Sanford D., Jr. [GA-2] - 2/9/2009
2. Rep. Costa, Jim [CA-20] - 2/9/2009
3. Rep. Gordon, Bart [TN-6] - 2/9/2009
4. Rep. Johnson, Eddie Bernice [TX-30] - 2/9/2009
5. Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank," Jr. [GA-4] - 2/9/2009
6. Rep. Miller, Gary G. [CA-42] - 1/16/2009
7. Rep. Sires, Albio [NJ-13] - 2/9/2009
8. Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [FL-20] - 2/9/2009
9. Rep. Waters, Maxine [CA-35] - 1/16/2009
10. Rep. Wexler, Robert [FL-19] - 2/9/2009
11. Rep. Wilson, Charles A. [OH-6] - 2/9/2009
    

Source: Library of Congress - Thomas

Write an Op-Ed for Your Local Paper

By now you're familiar with the issues surrounding DPA reform. With the expertise and knowledge you've gained combined with your personal knowledge and interaction with DPA, write a short opinion-editorial piece for your local paper. Op-eds are usually 500-800 words in length and express a strong opinion—you don't have to explain the whole issue in depth, just lay out your side. People listen to their neighbors, and you can highlight the benefits that DPA has created for your community. Share your passion and knowledge!

How will DPA act as a stimulus to the housing market?

As a result of the current economic crisis, a huge inventory of unsold houses has devastated the housing market. However, the downpayment requirement shuts qualified Americans out of homeownership. If these borrowers were enabled to purchase homes, it would provide a significant boost to the housing market as well as the entire U.S. economy.

Through H.R. 600, reformed downpayment assistance (DPA) can play an important role in the market's recovery and create sustainable homeownership opportunities for hundreds of thousands of credit-worthy borrowers.

Take action today! Write or call your elected officials and voice your support for DPA reform and H.R. 600.