Finding decent affordable housing in this region is a constant challenge. COPA works to raise the political will to create more housing that our families can afford both to rent and purchase. The problem presently is made worse by the high number of foreclosures. COPA is working on strategies to prevent foreclosure to keep people in their homes, by providing direct counseling and by organizing to affect federal and state policies.

COPA leaders have provided counseling to over 160 families, resulting in 21 loan modifications so far, a ratio higher than the national average. Organizing primarily through Assumption Catholic Church in Pajaro, COPA leaders have brought families out of their isolated suffering and instead provided them with mutual support, collaborative learning and resources to seek modifications.

Through our local elected officials and direct actions, COPA is pressuring the California Housing Finance Agency to make the best use of Federal funding for foreclosure prevention and to bring some of those funds into the Central Coast for mortgage principal reduction.

Housing Strategy Co-Chairs:

Meg Campbell, St. John’s Episcopal Church
Dean Lundholm, Live Oak Family Resource Center

Maria Rocha tells her story of foreclosure at an IAF press conference before meeting with the CA Housing Finance Authority.