Time: Friday, May 1, 2009 at 12pm-1:30pm
Location: Meeting Room 205, Campus Center Smith College
100 Elm St. Northampton, MA
Guest Speaker: The Honorable Judge Robert G. Fields
The foreclosure crisis that struck Massachusetts is being felt in cities and communities across our state. Massachusetts ranks 14th in the nation with 53,797 foreclosure filings in 2008. In cities such as Boston, Brockton, Springfield and Worcester, thousands of our friends and neighbors have had their lives turned upside down often through no fault of their own.
While much attention has been given to homeowners, tenants of foreclosed properties are too often on their own and left out in the cold. Tenants forced into such situations are not looking for handouts or free rent; they want to understand their choices and their rights.
Join us and view a special documentary highlighting the often unheard stories of tenants living in foreclosed properties. Following the film showing, a panel of housing advocates will discuss the foreclosure crisis and the legal rights of tenants. Our goal is to further educate and equip individuals who may encounter clients, friends, or neighbors that are facing post-foreclosure evictions with the knowledge and tools needed to help such tenants overcome this overwhelming process.
Answering the President's call for volunteerism, 28 Massachusetts Legal Assistance For Self Sufficiency Program AmeriCorps members in MLASSP are stationed throughout Massachusetts at nonprofit legal service agencies, specializing in public interest law. On May 1st, we are inviting state officials, advocates, representatives, and the media to help us launch a state-wide initiative, aimed at drawing attention to how the foreclosure crisis affects communities and even non-homeowners. The event will also showcases a new public service documentary on the topic and will continue a six month advocacy campaign throughout the state.
Space is limited. RSVP by April 24, 2009 to agouin@majp.org or call 413-322-7418. We look forward to your participation and your input!
AMERICORPS MEMBERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER STUDENT QUESTIONS ABOUT THE AMERICORPS PROGRAM.
