NeighborWorks Business Leadership Award Recipient Honored

Yesterday the Santa Fe New Mexican reported that local business leader William C. Enloe was recognized by NeighborWorks America with the 2009 NeighborWorks Business Leadership Award. Click here to see the article.

Congratulations to Mr. Enloe and all of the 2009 NeighborWorks Award recipients! To find out more about the 2009 NeighborWorks Awards and this year's honorees, visit the Awards page on the NeighborWorks web site.

Face-Lift for Foreclosure Prevention

The Obama administration is attempting to revive the stalled Hope for Homeowners program that could restore equity to hundreds of thousands of borrowers whose home values have plummeted. According to the Washington Post, after eight months, the program has helped just one borrower secure a more affordable loan.

President Obama signed legislation last week simplifying and lowering the cost of the program for lenders and borrowers. Lenders that participate also are eligible for incentive payments from government bailout funds.

The article also reports that the revised program is now attracting some unexpected backers: Investors who had refused to consider the program's requirement that they forgive some of a borrower's mortgage balance if the home is worth less than is owed, known as being underwater, are now trumpeting that provision. Read more from Washingtonpost.com.

New NeighborWorks Video Demonstrates the Value of Prepurchase Counseling in Preventing Foreclosure

A new video from NeighborWorks America demonstrates the value of getting homeownership education and counseling before purchasing a home.

At the center of this piece is a new homeowner who was proactive in getting the guidance she needed.

It also features NeighborWorks America CEO Ken Wade, who emphasized that prepurchase education is an important weapon against foreclosure.

The counseling services of network member Resources for Residents and Communities of Georgia Inc. were highlighted in this video as well.

The video was completed in partnership with National Business Series, a production company that produces educational documentaries for public television. View video.

Experts Stress Urgency of Green Housing

A NeighborWorks green symposium held in Phoenix May 6 attracted some of the most innovative thinkers in green affordable housing. They stressed the urgency of green housing, given environmental and energy concerns.

Read the summary, get presentations and download the new Green Roadmap for Project Development at nw.org/green.

NeighborWorks CEO Ken Wade Testifies at Congressional Hearing on Foreclosure

On May 13, NeighborWorks America CEO Ken Wade testified before the House Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity on: “The Role of NeighborWorks and Housing Counseling Intermediaries in Preventing Foreclosures.” Read his testimony.