Attorney General Kilmartin Announces $120,000 Grant to Center for Southeast Asians for Housing Assistance and Counseling Services
WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 4, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — To provide intervention and counseling services for Southeastern Asian families in danger of defaulting on their mortgages, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin today announced a $120,000 grant to the Center for Southeast Asians (CSEA).
Funded through the National Mortgage Settlement between the five largest mortgage service providers and attorneys general nationwide, the grant will allow the CSEA to provide one-on-one counseling for those facing hardships and the possibility of default or foreclosure by working with banks and lending institutions to assist clients in resolving their financial situations.
“Rhode Island is home to a large and vibrant Southeast Asian community; however, due primarily to language and cultural barriers, many in the community need assistance navigating the state’s regulatory, governmental, human services, legal and financial systems. The CSEA is the only organization in Rhode Island serving the needs of the approximately 20,000 Southeast Asian immigrants and refugees living in Rhode Island,” said Attorney General Kilmartin. “Something as simple as serving as a translator between a homeowner and the mortgage service provider can go a long way in keeping families in their homes. The CSEA has done a tremendous job at bridging the gap between members of the community and available services.”
“We remain committed to providing day to day, direct services to members of our community who have not yet secured a sure footing, empowering them to achieve economic self-sufficiency and cultural self-awareness. This is what makes for a stronger Southeast Asian community and a stronger Rhode Island. At the same time, the Center for Southeast Asians plays a broader role in identifying unmet needs in our community so that we can effectively address issues before they become problems and direct resources where they are most needed,” added Channavy Chhay, Executive Director for the CSEA.
Last month, Attorney General Kilmartin announced a $200,000 grant to Helping Hands Community Partners to match veterans and low-income families with sustainable housing options in Rhode Island. Since the National Mortgage Settlement Grant was announced, Attorney General Kilmartin has awarded approximately $4.3 million to several community agencies to support efforts to keep Rhode Island families in their homes.
About CSEA The Center for Southeast Asians is a non-profit approved 501c(3) corporation whose mission is to promote the prosperity, heritage and leadership of Southeast Asians in Rhode Island. CSEA is a welcoming, vibrant and trusted resource for the advancement of the Southeast Asian community which fosters the knowledge and skills necessary to be active participants in the social, civic, and political life of Rhode Island while preserving the traditions and culture of Southeast Asians, plan for the future, achieve economic prosperity and ultimately enrich their communities.
For more information or to learn more about the programs and services provided, please contact the CSEA at www.cseari.org or call 401-274-8811.
Related links
Department or agency: Department of the Attorney General
Online: http://www.riag.ri.gov/
