Not alone: Legal support to stop foreclosures

Recent policy changes - and threats - to the right to housing and the accountability requirements regarding financial institutions and banks concern families with mortgages. Defunding strategies directed to agencies that look out for consumer rights and are called to process complaints presented by those affected by predatory lending practices, together with an ample restriction to public assistance, translate into further housing insecurity for many.

While these changes occur at the United States level - and have not impacted laws when this report is written- the relationship between the EEUU and Puerto Rico brings these dangers home. Immediately, we experienced a new delay in complaints presented to federal agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. We are also aware of drastic and harmful shifts in the Fair Housing Act protection, including restrictions to protect people based on disparate impact practices and omissions. If the Executive Orders adopted by this new federal administration have a more profound impact, we could see less protection on the ground for individuals who belong to protected classes - such as race, religion, sex, and gender (including domestic violence), and national origin. Disparate impact, or indirect discrimination caused by practices or omissions caused by powerful actors such as financial institutions and mortgage banks, could remain impune.

A legal empowerment project that promotes legal awareness among families with mortgages while accompanying those affected in complex litigation scenarios is needed. Even more, when this same project ensures local advocacy to guarantee spaces where these families can demand protection and remedies based on violations suffered. If there has been a time when donating to support projects with a clear perspective on housing as a right, it is now.

Yet, at different levels, donors may feel conflicted in their contributions. We have seen a heightened caution coming from private funders - big and small- based on fear and uncertainty and the impact of an overwhelming haul of rights and protection on our everyday lives. Because we share the context, we understand. As human rights defenders and advocates, we also know that it is precisely in scenarios of restrictions and exclusions of historically marginalized individuals and causes that our solidarity is more urgent and relevant.

We call all our donors to support our projects and continue contributing to the causes you thought important some years ago, knowing that your support is vital and instrumental.