On Saturday, May 7th, FIRM played host to the first in a series of community “Foreclosure Assistance and Recovery Fairs”. Sponsored by a dozen community nonprofits including The Fresno Housing Alliance and Clearpoint Credit Counseling Solutions, the event provided assistance both to individuals trying to save their homes and for those seeking to rebuild their financial life after the loss of a home. Attendees had an opportunity to speak to a HUD certified housing counselor as well as to attend pre-foreclosure and post-foreclosure educational workshops. A variety of other community services and information was also available.
While all were welcome, this event had a particular focus on refugee communities and coincided with the release of a report, “Untold Stories: Foreclosures and the Southeast Asian Community in the Central Valley” compiled by the Southeast Asian Resource Action Center (SEARAC) and the National Association of Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD), with the assistance of FIRM and other organizations. Fresno City Councilman Clint Olivier was on hand to provide encouragement and support to the community. More than 60 attendees benefited from the information and enjoyed a great Lao lunch of kao phun soup and eggrolls!
The next Foreclosure Assistance and Recovery Fair will be held Saturday, May 21st from 10-2 pm at the United Way of Fresno County.