“Moving forward on CRA modernization now, in the light of this crisis, is breathtakingly irresponsible. I’m as strong a supporter of CRA modernization as anyone — it’s essential — but it has to be done right. And we have no idea what our communites are going to look like a year from now, or what needs they’ll have after this.” – David M. Dworkin
“Communication is vital. You need to call your servicer and ask for help, and then you need to stay in touch with your servicer as your situation changes.” – David M. Dworkin
“Rent payments are the main source of revenue for property owners, particularly for small and mid-sized ones, who are responsible for paying a property’s monthly mortgage payment and paying essential staff and services that are more important than ever in the midst of this unprecedented public health crisis.”
“Renters who lost their job or are sick because of the virus should immediately contact their landlord and alert them — in writing — of their hardships. Most landlords will be sympathetic and willing to offer help. That communication is incredibly important.”- David M. Dworkin
“David Dworkin, president and CEO of the nonprofit affordable housing advocacy group, the National Housing Conference, told ABC News that the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, also known as Freddie Mac, and the Federal National Mortgage Association, commonly known as Fannie Mae, are encouraging homeowners to contact their mortgage service providers immediately if they’re in financial straits.”
Why it matters: David Dworkin, president of the National Housing Conference, told the Post giving renters the option to skip a few payments won’t be enough since they will be under pressure to pay their past due amounts all at once. The debt could be unaffordable for many people, particularly those in low-wage jobs.
“The government must respond to this war against our way of life that is being fought against this virus. Rental assistance is a critical component of this.” -David M. Dworkin
“We’re going to have to see how it evolves, but the financial crisis we had before is avoidable as long as we are smart about how we deal with people who are unable to make their payments. We don’t want to create a second housing crisis on top of the health care crisis that we have.”-David M. Dworkin
“We don’t need servicers buried in bureaucracy approving modifications or forbearance in such a fast-moving crisis.” – David M. Dworkin
“The National Housing Conference on March 19 will host its March Restoring Neighborhoods webinar, which will feature experts from epidemiology and public health on the coronavirus outbreak discussing how to prevent spreading the disease, and appropriate precautions and contingency planning for property managers.”
