Approximately 3.5 million people in the U.S. are homeless,
many of them veterans. It is worth noting that, at the same time, there are
18.6 million vacant homes in the country.
The National Economic and Social Rights Initiative along
with Amnesty International are asking the U.S. to step up its efforts to
address the foreclosure crisis, including by giving serious consideration to
the growing call for a foreclosuremoratorium and other forms of relief for
those at risk, and establishing a housing finance system that fulfills human
rights obligations.
New government census reports have revealed disturbing
information that details the cold, hard numbers of Americans who have been deeply
affected by the state of our economy, and bank foreclosure practices:
In the last few days, the U.S. government census figures
have revealed that 1 in 2 Americans have fallen into poverty or are struggling
to live on low incomes. And we know that the financial hardships faced by our
neighbors, colleagues, and others in our communities will be all the more
acutely felt over the holiday season.
Along with poverty and low incomes, the foreclosure rate has
created its own crisis situation as the number of families removed from their
homes has skyrocketed.
Since 2007, banks have foreclosed around eight million
homes. It is estimated that another eight to ten million homes will be
foreclosed before the financial crisis is over. This approach to resolving one
part of the financial crisis means many, many families are living without
adequate and secure housing. In addition, approximately 3.5 million people in
the U.S. are homeless, many of them veterans. It is worth noting that, at the
same time, there are 18.5 million vacant homes in the country.
The stark realities that persist mean that millions of
families will be facing the holidays in temporary homes, or homes under threat,
and far too many children will be wishing for an end to the uncertainty and
distress their family is facing rather than an Xbox or Barbie doll.
Housing is a basic human need and a fundamental human right.
Yet every day in the United States, banks are foreclosing on more than 10,000
mortgages and ordering evictions of individuals and families residing in
foreclosed homes. The U.S. government’s steps to address the foreclosure crisis
to date have been partial at best.
The depth and severity of the foreclosure crisis is a clear
illustration of the urgent need for the U.S. government to put in place a
system that respects, protects and fulfills human rights, including the right
to housing. This includes implementing real protections to ensure that other
actors, such as financial institutions, do not undermine or abuse human rights.
There is a link available at the Amnesty International
website for anyone who is interested and would like to join the call on the
Obama administration and Congress to urgently step up efforts to address the
foreclosure crisis, including by seriously considering the growing call for a
foreclosure moratorium and other forms of relief, and establishing a housing
finance system that fulfills human rights obligations.
Via : World Truth Tv