COVID Relief Loans Loans Flowed Mostly To Businesses In Wealthy White Communities

Businesses in upper-income mostly White neighborhoods dominated the government’s Payment Protection Program (PPP), according to the analysis of government data by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC). The findings confirms evidence that business owners of color and businesses in lower-income communities faced many obstacles that cut them off from the government’s COVID relief program for small businesses.

The NCRC analysis was based on records of 5 million PPP loans released by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The data was only made available after a federal judge ordered the data released after several news organizations sued the agency under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

After adjusting for total businesses in each neighborhood, NCRC found that, on average, neighborhoods in low-income areas received less than a quarter as many PPP loans (.387 loans per census tract in low-income tracts, compared to 1.787 loans per census tract in upper-income census tracts), and only about one-third of the PPP loan amount ($36,481 per business in low- and $100,539 in upper-income census tracts). Also, the analysis evidenced that neighborhoods with higher percentages of people of color got significantly fewer loans and lower amounts.

The NCRC study is more evidence that Fair Lending laws must be better enforced.

Read the December 11, 2020 NCRC release.

To read more on NCRC’s preliminary analysis, visit: NCRC Paycheck Protection Plan Preliminary Analysis.

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Source: NCRC, December 11, 2020.

Nationstar Mortgage Order to Pay Fine for Flawed Mortgage Loan Reporting, Including Victimizing Over 1,000 Maryland Borrowers

Nationstar Mortgage, which recently rebranded as “Mr. Cooper,” agreed to a $91 million fine by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for allegedly violating consumer protection laws after the Great Recession. The case could serve as a warning to companies that prey on borrowers during the pandemic.

“More than 1,000 borrowers in Maryland were harmed by Nationstar’s misconduct,” Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh (D) said in a statement. “The settlement requires Nationstar to change its practices and to pay millions of dollars to those it hurt.”

The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) worked with attorneys general from all states and mortgage regulators in 53 jurisdictions in the case against Nationstar, which is the largest non-bank home loan servicer in the nation.

This settlement regards allegations that Nationstar violated consumer protection laws during its servicing of mortgage loans between 2012 and the end of 2015. The proposed CFPB agreement, if approved by the court, will bring $85 million in payments to consumers and over $6 million in fees and penalties.

Nationstar also entered into a separate settlement agreement with the US Department of Justice to address past mortgage servicing issues affecting homeowners under bankruptcy protection. Under that settlement, the Justice Department said U.S. Bank, PNC, and Nationstar will pay over $74 million in redress payments to homeowners. “Most of the remediation and corrective actions have already been taken by the servicers,” the Justice Department commented.

The CFPB complaint said Nationstar failed to identify requests for loan modifications, which are supposed to help borrowers with their payments. The company foreclosed while some homeowners were waiting for their loan modification applications to be processed - even though Nationstar had promised it would not do so.

Allegations against Nationstar included improperly increasing borrowers’ payments and misrepresenting when homeowners would be eligible to have their private mortgage insurance premiums canceled. The claim alleged that Nationstar also failed to forward real estate tax payments from escrow accounts in a timely manner.

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Read the December 8, 2020 Washington Post article.

 

ACTION ALERT CALL or EMAIL  Mayor Young TODAY!  The Baltimore City bill (CB 20-0592) creating a Local Voucher Program Awaits Mayor Young's Signature -- TODAY is the last day for Mayor Young  to sign the bill or it will fail! Call/Email Mayor Young and ask him to help Baltimore end homelessness by signing CB 20-0592! Mayor Young contact information: 410-396-4900, mayor@baltimorecity.gov The bill is a major step forward in the City's efforts to end homelessness. The bill creates a new Office to End Homelessness and a locally funded housing voucher program   for formerly homeless households with incomes at or below 30% area median income. Read about the bill in this WYPR piece  For more information about CB 20-0592 contact  Carolyn Johnson at cjohnson@hprplaw.org ***** Homeless Persons Representation Project, November 7, 2020

 

LANDLORD FOUND IN CONTEMPT FOR VIOLATING CIRCUIT COURT ORDER AND DECISION OF THE MARYLAND COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS’ APPEAL BOARD

MCCR Continues Pursuit of Justice for Victim of Unlawful Sexual Harassment in Housing

HAGERSTOWN, Md. - On November 23, 2020, the Circuit Court for Washington County found landlord Henry T. Piper in contempt of court for refusing to provide documentation to the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR), for failing to pay ordered penalties and relief, and for failing to attend fair housing sensitivity training.

The Appeal Board of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights originally ordered Mr. Piper to pay $5,400 in monetary relief to his former tenant, as well as a $10,000 civil penalty to the State of Maryland on February 2, 2018, after it was found that he violated Maryland’s fair housing law by sexually harassing his former tenant. Previously, the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) had issued a similar order for relief and $5,000 in a civil penalty to the State of Maryland.

The Commission continued to pursue court action against Mr. Piper over the last two years in the name of justice for both the complainant – who has yet to receive awarded relief for her pain and suffering as a victim of unlawful sexual harassment – as well as the people of the State of Maryland. He refused to comply with orders from OAH, the MCCR Appeal Board, and the Circuit Court of Washington County. The landlord’s willful disregard of the court’s order resulted in his incarceration for ten days, including over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Assistant General Counsel Terrence J. Artis, who litigated this case on behalf of the Commission, affirms, “Should any person or entity be found to have violated the civil rights of any Marylander protected under the Commission’s statute, the Commission will exhaust all enforcement tools available under the law in the pursuit of justice for the complainant and people of the State of Maryland.”

MCCR represents the interest of the state to ensure equal opportunity for all through enforcement of Title 20 of the State Government Article and Title 19 of the State Finance & Procurement Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. MCCR investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and state contracts filed by members of protected classes under federal and state law. For additional information, please contact Spencer Dove at 410-767-8576 or by email at spencer.dove@maryland.gov.

Victim of Discrimination?

Training & Partnerships

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Source: Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, December 7, 2020.

We Join in Mourning 

Fr. Richard (Dick) Lawrence's passing on November 26, 2020

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Fr. Richard (Dick) Lawrence's passing on November 26, 2020. As an advocate for Social Justice Initiatives that lead to lasting change, Fr. Lawrence was one of the founders of Beyond the Boundaries, (along with Monsignor William F. Burke of St. Francis of Assisi and retired Monsignor Richard H. Tillman). So aptly stated by Monsignor Bozzelli in the November 28th Catholic Review article, “The model for Beyond the Boundaries was working together, as a region...It was responsible for the first affordable housing bill in the city. Dick (Father Lawrence) had great vision, and was very creative. He told us, ‘Politicians are never going to initiate this. We have to create the parade, so that we can invite them to stand at the head of it.’ That was a typical Dick move.”  You may also recall seeing the pivotal video for Beyond the Boundaries, featuring Fr. Lawrence, where he simply and clearly makes the strong and convincing case for our program...a video which is still viewed today to help many understand the intersection between systemic racism and housing in our region.  In his statement, Archbishop William E. Lori said, “Throughout the Archdiocese and the City of Baltimore there are so many who mourn the passing of Fr. Dick Lawrence. From our neighbors who are homeless to those who enjoy positions of the highest prominence, he was known for his fierce commitment to living out the Gospel call to love the least among us. May his legacy long be a reminder of the priorities we must keep before us as we strive to bring peace and healing to our City.” While in person participation in funeral services is no longer open, please consider joining one of the virtual services being offered. VISIT HERE for the schedule of services as well as links for online viewing opportunities.  We hold all those close Fr. Lawrence in prayer during the days and weeks ahead, and pray that Beyond the Boundaries can continue to live out his legacy of service to the most poor and vulnerable among us.

Copyright © 2020 Beyond the Boundariesbtb.org, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Beyond the Boundaries   btb.org 3615 Harford Rd Baltimore, MD 21218-3150 Add us to your address book ***** Source: Beyond the Boundaries, email, December 4, 2020.

HEALTH CARE FOR ALL
PRESCRIPTION DRUG AFFORDABILITY TOWN HALL FORUM  

We want to hear from you about high cost prescription drugs! 

 Join us for the final Community Forum of 2020 on Monday, December 7th at 7 p.m. 

Thanks to your great work and advocacy, Maryland continues to lead the nation in innovative approaches to prescription drug affordability. Despite being a year of many unforeseen challenges, in 2020 we saw the landmark Prescription Drug Affordability Board begin its lifesaving work, collaborated with states around the nation to replicate this legislation, and heard from Marylanders across the state about the impact of high cost prescription drugs. Though the year is coming to a close, there are still opportunities for you to get involved in prescription drug affordability efforts. Most importantly, the Board needs to hear from you! 

Our final community forum of 2020 will be hosted on Monday, December 7th at 7:00 p.m. in partnership with the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Please join us for an opportunity to share your input on high cost prescription drugs and hear from federal, state, and local leaders working on this important issue. 

If you like to tell your story or share your feedback anonymously, please visit this website: www.healthcareforall.com/RxInput. Your input is critical to informing the Board's work! As always, this work would not be possible without your advocacy and the support of a broad, diverse coalition. 

If you have not already, please consider having your organization join the Prescription Drug Affordability Coalition today! With over 400 members, the coalition is the key to taking on Big Pharma and will be essential in overriding the Governor's veto of the Board's funding bill when the legislature returns to session in January. 

Thank you for your tireless work to make prescription drugs more affordable and ensure that all Marylanders have access to quality, affordable health care-- we can't wait to see what you'll accomplish in 2021! Share Your Story 

We Want to Hear From You!

Maryland Citizens' Health Initiative 

2600 St. Paul Street | Baltimore, Maryland 21218 

(410) 235-9000 | info@healthcareforall.com 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser

 Understanding Structural Racism in Nonprofit Environments

Interactive Virtual Workshop

         December 12th 2-5 p.m. 

Why is this important?: Racism is a powerful force that inhibits our progress toward justice, peace, and prosperity.

About this Event

Why is this important? Racism is a powerful force that inhibits our progress toward justice, peace, and prosperity. Despite decades of legal and social reform aimed at reducing inequity. Inequality continues to be a significant problem in all societies and most organizations. Subsequently, we have conversations around or about Institutional Racism without having a mutual understanding of what it is and now it operates in our environment. Because of this lack of knowledge we often unknowingly perpetuate harm. Having a shared understanding is the first step in dismantling institutional racism.

THIS WORKSHOP WILL ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS?

What is structural racism?

How is structural racism different from other forms of racism?

What is institutional power?

How does structural racism show up in nonprofit environments?

THIS WORKSHOP ADDRESSES THE FOLLOWING LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Establish a shared understanding of some commonly used, but commonly misunderstood terminology.

Explore how current organizational values either support or disrupt Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.

THIS WORKSHOP IS PERFECT FOR YOU, IF:

You work with/ in diverse populations.

You are a nonprofit professional.

You work for an organization that provides services to populations with a different race, citizenship status, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender than you or the leadership of your organization.

You care about increasing access and opportunity for others on a meaningful level.

You sit on the board of a nonprofit organization that serve diverse populations.

HOW TO KNOW IF THIS WORKSHOP ISN’T FOR YOU.

I’m going to be honest and let you know that this workshop may not be for everybody. This is not a sit and listen only workshop where the speaker reads from the PowerPoint and you are able to passively learn and take notes. This is an interactive workshop that will require radical introspection. You'll be required to engage, create, and have conversations so that you will walk away with not only a deeper understanding of your institutional power and how to leverage it to counter structural racism.

This workshop is typically $75 per person. In an effort to increase access and reach more people, I’ve reduced the rate to just $45 per person.

A LINK TO THE WORKSHOP WILL BE EMAILED TO TICKETED PARTICIPANTS PRIOR TO WORKSHOP.

Organizer: S. Rasheem

Organizer of Understanding Structural Racism in Nonprofit Environments

Rasheem is an Independent Scholar and Social Scientist whose scholarship encourages a critical examination of society and culture through the lens of race, gender, and class. Her educational background is interdisciplinary, and includes a Bachelors degree in Social Science, a minor in Sociology, a Masters’ in Nonprofit Management and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Work. She has been a Principal Investigator on at least five different qualitative research initiatives and has spoken on the topic of equity at over 30 academic and professional conferences.

As an instructor, she has a commitment to helping students gain deeper insight into an interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and intersectional approach to the academic study of marginalized populations. Dr. Rasheem’s research practices epistemic justice through centralizing the experiential knowledge of marginalized populations through a qualitative research methodology. She also believes in the use of culturally relevant theoretical frameworks when studying various populations. Her work contributes to the growing body of literature at the intersection of race and gender. Her most recent scholarship includes:

Rasheem, S.M. Brunson, Jordan( 2017, November) #ShePersisted: The pursuit, persistence, & power of African American women in social work graduate programs at Historically Black Institutions (HBI), Journal of Social Work Education: The International Journal

Rasheem, S.M., Alleman, A. Mushonga, D. & Toney, D. Vakalahi, H.F.O. (2018, March) Mentor-shape: Mentoring Black Women in Doctoral Programs, Mentoring and Tutoring: Partnership in Learning.

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Source: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-structural-racism-in-nonprofit-environments-tickets-125384952769?ref=enivtefor001&invite=MjAxMjA0MzUvd2tsYWRreUBnYmNocmIub3JnLzA%3D%0A&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=inviteformalv2&utm_term=eventpage.