Material Listing

This U.S. Supreme Court case is notable because it supports the idea that public housing authorities are required under U.S. law to have lease provisions that allow for eviction of tenant who is "innocent" of drug-related criminal activity, e.g. the tenant did not engage in the activity, did not know about the activity and/or it was not within their control. The Court explains that the U.S. Congress knew how to provide an "innocent owner" defense, but failed to do so in this instance.

The report reveals the extreme housing affordability crisis for those people living on an SSI income. A state-by-state executive analysis shows the percent of SSI Benefits needed to rent a one-bedroom apartment as well as the housing market areas that require more than 100% of monthly SSI benefits. Local information is contained in the appendix. Policy recommendations round out this easy to read and digest report focusing on the disabled population and housing affordability.

This document is an overview on payday lending. Advocates may find this concise question and answer document helpful as a consumer education piece and primer.  The document links to additional resources, including background statistics on payday loans. The document also links to additional resources, including background statistics on payday loans.

The document describes the discriminatory practices of predatory lending and their impact on African Americans and Latinos in particular. Analysis is offered as to the effects of predatory lending on the already disproportionate wealth gap between African Americans and whites and Latinos and whites. Mortgage lending, auto lending, and payday lending are all concisely reviewed.

Advocates may find this document helpful as a primer and tool for prioritizing and acting on issues that affect affordable housing.

North Carolina state law policy is featured as a model for curbing predatory lending practices. Advocates may find this document helpful for understanding predatory lending basics and for policy advocacy strategies and recommendations.

The authors find that while homeowner's credit quality improved between 1989 and 2001, renter's credit quality declined significantly. The report further indicates that the decline is more pronounced among the young, those with low income, and ethnic minorities.

Advocates may find this report helpful for its review of research covering the intersection of credit and homeownership. It also indicates that education may be critical to credit quality and homeownership opportunities.

The article makes the case that rent and utility payment history and landlord references are more appropriate indicators of creditworthiness. It also calls for individual review of each applicant's circumstances, while taking into account a variety of factors, in order to create a fair review system that will promote the goals of affordable housing.

This NCRC survey discusses HMDA data from 15 large lending institutions. The executive summary describes chronic fair lending disparities primarily affecting communities of color, women, and low and moderate-income borrowers.

Advocates may find this short piece helpful for a basic understanding of credit counseling services, including debt management plans (DMPs).

It includes data and statistics, history, an analysis of common problems, and recommendations for change. Information in the report pre-dates the final passage of bankruptcy reform, yet still has application in terms of understanding the industry and reforms that need to be considered. Consumer materials on selecting a credit counseling agency are provided. The report includes a 3-page executive summary.

Advocates may find this document helpful for its in-depth review of the credit counseling industry.