Community Training and Assistance Center

April 2010

Dear Friends:
The effects of foreclosures on individuals and families pose a rapidly escalating threat to the stability of neighborhoods and communities. Foreclosures cause emotional stress, health problems and loss of access to credit which can, in turn, limit housing and job options. Families dealing with these challenges need a support network to help avoid foreclosure, as well as keep families healthy, together and safe.

At the community level, everyone loses. Foreclosures precipitate a cycle of declining property values and deteriorating neighborhoods. Beyond the losses to lenders and borrowers, foreclosures erode a municipality's tax base and the flow of capital into the community. They also hasten a severe decline in a community's physical and social environment by opening the door to the wave of crime, blight and economic disinvestment that affects a community's vitality and safety.

A community stabilization and family preservation strategy is needed to turn the tide on the foreclosure crisis. Such a strategy should draw on national lessons learned in community organizing and coalition building.

Leaders have the unprecedented opportunity to step up to the challenge of bringing community and institutional parties together to create a blueprint for action. This is done routinely when we face hurricanes and other natural emergencies. The need has never been more urgent.

For additional information on the foreclosure crisis, please see the special article to The Tampa Tribune, "Take Action on Foreclosure Crisis."

Best Regards,
William J. Slotnik, Executive Director
Community Training and Assistance Center (CTAC)

CTAC builds capacity and addresses root causes of poverty at local, state and national levels by providing technical assistance, conducting research and evaluation, and supporting public policy initiatives. CTAC annually assists more than 100 community based organizations, coalitions, and public institutions, and others directly concerned with strengthening low-income communities.

www.ctacusa.com