The most recent housing report shows foreclosure filings skyrocketed to over 3 million last year, up 81% from the previous year. Economic indicators suggest that we're just at the beginning of a down cycle, with no clear floor in sight for the housing market.
One Florida woman was able to bring her situation directly to the attention of President Barack Obama on Tuesday during a Town Hall meeting. Henrietta Hughes revealed that she and her family are homeless, and in need of a roof over their heads. Obama offered up his staff to aid Ms. Hughes after the emotional encounter.
But for those who can't reach to the man at the top, Brave New Films' Robert Greenwald is offering a way to help struggling homeowners let their voices be heard.
Brave New Films is collecting stories from all over the nation from people who have been hit by the housing crisis, but he says he needs help.
"Have you been affected by the housing meltdown?" Greenwald asks on his site. "Foreclosed on? Underwater? Trapped in a predatory loan? Do you know anyone else whose life has been turned upside down by the collapse of the real estate market? Record your story, or the story of a friend, family member, co-worker, or neighbor, and send it to us. If you have a video camera or webcam, then please send us your video. You can also add your written story along with a photo we can post on our interactive map."
Brave New Film's FightingForOurHomes.com website allows those affected by the crisis to submit their stories and videos.
Nearly two dozen submissions have already come in to the site. The following are a but three of the millions of Americans faced with foreclosure.
Here in California, the foreclosures are just unbelievable. There are a couple of my close friends/neighbors facing foreclosures right now--for adjustable loans that they most certainly could have qualified for fixed mortgages on but were talked out of--and it's exceptionally hard not to want to throw things at these bank executives and their whiny entitlements.
