Latest news with #FairHousingMonth
Associated Press
28-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
NCJAR Celebrates Fair Housing Month and Honors Bill Flagg as NAR Fair Housing Champion
Recognizing Leadership in Equity and Inclusion as Fair Housing Month Comes to a Close MORRISTOWN, NJ, UNITED STATES, April 28, 2025 / / -- As Fair Housing Month comes to a close this April, North Central Jersey Association of REALTORS® ( NCJAR ) reflects on the significant strides made since the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This month served as a reminder of the ongoing work to ensure equity, inclusion, and access in housing, values that NCJAR and REALTORS® across the nation strive to uphold every day. NCJAR is proud to celebrate the achievements of one of its own, Bill Flagg, who has been recognized as a 2025 recipient of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Fair Housing Champion Award. Bill's dedication to furthering the mission of fair housing through advocacy and action spans over four decades. Notably, his leadership in organizing Newark's first successful Homeownership Fair, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Baptist Church, has left a lasting impact on the community and serves as a model for others to follow. 'Bill Flagg's work exemplifies the heart of what Fair Housing Month is all about,' said Jeff Jones , NCJAR 2025 President. 'His tireless efforts to bring opportunity to underserved communities continue to inspire REALTORS® and remind us that we each have a responsibility to be champions of inclusion and access.' As we move forward, NCJAR urges its members to carry the spirit of Fair Housing Month into every day of the year. REALTORS® have a unique opportunity to not only abide by the law but to actively work to eliminate bias, promote inclusivity, and foster conversations that lead to lasting change in our industry and communities. This month's theme, 'Being the Change,' underscores the importance of REALTORS® taking an active role in confronting bias, fostering inclusivity, and leading conversations that propel the industry toward greater equity. 'We all have the power to make a difference in the communities we serve,' added Jeff Jones. 'Whether through training, education, or simply engaging with our neighbors, we can continue to build a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to pursue homeownership.' As Fair Housing Month draws to a close, let us celebrate the accomplishments of individuals like Bill Flagg and renew our commitment to promoting fair housing and leading with integrity every day. For more information about NCJAR and its ongoing efforts to promote fair housing, please visit and About NCJAR: North Central Jersey Association of REALTORS® (NCJAR) is dedicated to advocating for the real estate industry and promoting the values of fairness, equity, and access for all in every community we serve. Through education, outreach, and ongoing professional development, NCJAR strives to create a real estate market that serves all people equally. About Homebuyer NCJAR Homebuyer NCJAR is your go-to resource for homebuying in North Central New Jersey. Powered by NCJAR, we connect you with expert REALTORS® and provide essential tools and insights to make informed decisions throughout your homebuying journey. Ella Mae Gading-Delacruz NCJAR +1 973-425-0110 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok X Other Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Axios
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Fair housing grants next on DOGE chopping block
Ohio's largest legal aid organization stands to lose significant federal funding via DOGE cuts. Why it matters: Lost funding could render Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio unable to help people facing housing discrimination in most of the region. How it works: LASCO provides civil legal services to 36 Ohio counties, focusing largely on helping low-income residents. Programs help people obtain and keep housing, secure public benefits and fund legal cases. Those helped are often domestic violence survivors, families in poverty and people who face discrimination. Catch up quick: On Feb. 27, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and DOGE cut $30 million in congressionally authorized funding for 78 Fair Housing Initiatives Program grants, which fund organizations across the country. Four National Fair Housing Alliance members filed a class action lawsuit March 13 against HUD and DOGE alleging the cuts were unlawful. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order to reinstate the grants but dissolved that order Monday, allowing HUD to move forward with cancellation of funds. Threat level: For LASCO, this would mean the loss of $425,000 a year representing about 70% of the funding for Fair Housing work, senior managing attorney Melissa Benson says. That money pays for LASCO programming and staff, both of which would suffer from cuts. LASCO receives a separate grant that covers the city of Columbus and some other small sources of funding, but not nearly enough to close the gap. What they're saying:"[Fair housing] has really become a big part of our work, and it is something we think really matters and affects the community. To not know the extent of which we're going to be able to provide these services is difficult," Benson says. Between the lines: April is Fair Housing Month, which celebrates "the advancements of equal access to housing." The other side: HUD spokesperson Kasey Lovett says she cannot comment on FHIP grants because of the active legal case, but contends that fair housing enforcement is not being reduced due to the cuts. "To suggest anything else is false," she tells Axios in an email. " See here for the Secretary's recent comments reaffirming the Department's commitment to supporting the Fair Housing Act." She adds: "Funding to external entities is a separate matter from the enforcement the Department will uphold. Therefore, enforcement will not be reduced." What's next: Benson and LASCO expect continued legal challenges, but nothing has been announced.
Associated Press
08-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Fair Housing Month: Finding Ways To Make Homeownership Less Costly
Down payments and closing costs. Both typically involve large numbers that can cause doubt to creep into the minds of homebuyers and add to the rising costs of purchasing a home. In fact, KeyBank's 2025 Financial Mobility Survey found that many believe owning a home is not an attainable goal for themselves nor the average American. Survey respondents also said financial education can help them be more confident in the home-buying process. This Fair Housing Month, we're highlighting ways to make homeownership more accessible and sustainable for all. While the market for homeownership in America remains tricky to navigate, your bank can be a helpful resource when it comes to down payments and closing costs. Down Payments Conventional wisdom says it's best to make a 20 percent down payment when you buy your home. While this can help you lock in better interest rates and lower your monthly payment, you need to consider your individual financial situation and needs. Some strategies that can help lower your down payment include: Consider Homes that are Priced Below Your Budget: Even if you're pre-qualified for a specific loan amount, you may find that a lower home price gives you breathing room month to month. For long-term homeownership success, consider not only your down payment, but your monthly payments, property taxes, homeowners' insurance, and closing costs — which can amount to approximately 2–5 percent of the purchase price of your home. Smaller down payments may require you to get private mortgage insurance (PMI), which would increase your total regular mortgage payments. Going under budget gives you flexibility for home repairs or other financial emergencies. Many experts recommend saving between approximately 1 and 3 percent of your home's value each year for routine maintenance. Time It Right: The homebuying process can take time— if possible, begin to prepare months in advance from when you want to move in. If you know you're going to apply for a mortgage within the next few months, forgo opening new lines of credit, whether via a credit card or loan. This can negatively impact your credit score, which can increase interest rates and, ultimately, how much you'll need to spend. Know Your Loan Options: Many banks and financial institutions offer loans with low or no down payment. KeyBank's Key Community Mortgage lets buyers of owner occupied properties take advantage of low and no down payment options, making qualifying easier than you might think. Closing Costs Closing costs are a necessary part of the homebuying process, but they don't have to be a stumbling block to purchasing your dream home. Ways to reduce closing costs include: Talk to the seller: If a seller is looking to sell their home faster, they may also be willing to cover the closing costs. Doing so could be mutually beneficial, as there are specific tax benefits that the seller may be able to take part in. A seller may also be willing to cover closing costs if you pay full price for a home or if you purchase the house as-is, without requesting any specific fixes. Shop around: For some of the items on that laundry list of fees, you can shop around to find your own best price. These include the home inspection, title search, homeowners' insurance, and — depending on certain factors including your state laws — title insurance. You'll receive a list of approved vendors from your lender, but you can choose others that meet the lender's criteria. Finance the fees: Another potential way to reduce the closing costs that you'll pay upfront is to roll some of them into your mortgage loan amount so that you pay them over time instead. Some lenders provide this option through special programs targeting first-time homebuyers as well as those who are refinancing a home. Depending on your lender, expenses eligible for a rollover may include origination fees, credit report fees, appraisals, title insurance, courier fees, and other administrative costs. KeyBank Mortgage Loan Officers are great resources and can help you navigate the homebuying process. They have information on home lending opportunities and programs to help you get started on the journey to homeownership. Also, KeyBank's Mortgage Affordability Calculator can help you figure out a comfortable loan and payment amount. Don't forget to consider all the parts of a mortgage loan – down payment, principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance and possible PMI. Our professionals at KeyBank are here to support you at every step of your homebuying journey, from planning to celebrating your success. About the KeyBank 2025 Financial Mobility Survey: This survey was conducted online by Schmidt Market Research in September 2024, polling 1,000 Americans, ages 18 – 70, with sole or shared responsibility for household financial decisions, who own a checking or savings account. The survey sought to gain insight into financial resiliency and explored respondents' spending and savings habits, levels of financial confidence and financial resiliency, economic sentiment, and impacts of societal trends and pressures over the prior year. This is designed to provide general information only. All credit products are subject to collateral and/or credit approval, terms, conditions, availability and subject to change. ©2025 KeyCorp. All rights reserved. CFMA #250404-3134828 NOTICE: This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Conditions and restrictions may apply. All home lending products, including mortgage, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit, are subject to credit and collateral approval. Not all home lending products are available in all states. Hazard insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance are required on collateral property. Actual rates, fees, and terms are based on those offered as of the date of application and are subject to change without notice. NMLS #399797. Equal Housing Lender. Mortgage and Home Equity Lending products offered by KeyBank are not FDIC insured or guaranteed. KeyBank extends credit secured by residential real estate without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or familial status.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City considers plan for downtown signage
CUMBERLAND — Merje Design presented options for signs across the city to the mayor and City Council Tuesday. The 'wayfinding plan' came about after various experts were in Cumberland for the recent downtown renovation. 'When the consultants were here, they often got lost,' said Ruth Davis- Rogers, the city's historic preservation planner and grants manager. She said an initial $30,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development was secured to hire West Chester, Pennsylvania, consultant Merje for the project. The exact cost of the wayfinding plan hasn't been determined. 'A lot of this will be grant funded,' Davis-Rogers said. Merje provided wayfinding for cities including Annapolis and Frederick, she said. 'We've been working with them for six months,' Davis-Rogers said. Merje partner Glen Swantak said Cumberland has a hodgepodge of directional markers. 'You've got a lot of signs,' he said, adding that an emphasis will be placed on consistent displays of parking availability in the city. 'It's very complicated to come into the downtown area,' he said. He also talked of direction to downtown needed for folks arriving at the Amtrak Station. Merje designer Madison Phillips said the next step for the wayfinding project will be development of a preliminary budget. In other city business: • The council proclaimed April 2025 as Fair Housing Month with a document that states Cumberland 'is proud to join the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in celebrating the fifty-fifth anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968.' • The council met privately Tuesday to discuss board and commission appointments.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fair Housing Month: Abilene takes a stand against discrimination
ABILENE, Texas () – April is National Fair Housing Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness of housing rights and ending discrimination. Now, Abilene is joining the effort by officially proclaiming April as Fair Housing Month in the city. This year marks the 57th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, a law that established a national policy against housing discrimination. On April 1, Abilene Mayor Weldon Hurt issued a proclamation recognizing Fair Housing Month in the city. Trump administration looks to slash HUD workers tackling the housing crisis 'As mayor and on behalf of the city council, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Abilene Association of Realtors for their unwavering commitment to fair housing,' Hurt said. 'The citizens of Abilene proudly proclaim April 2025 as Fair Housing Month.' Hurt also emphasized the Abilene Association of Realtors' dedication to promoting the Fair Housing Act by addressing discrimination, supporting educational programs, and advocating for equal housing opportunities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
