Resources Archive

Still No Relief for Massachusetts Consumers Tricked by Competitive Electric Supply Companies

From August 1, 2017 through July 31, 2018, the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) reported receiving approximately 832 complaints about competitive energy supply companies. Consumers reported aggressive and deceptive marketing practices targeting vulnerable consumers, as well as excessively high electric bills and difficulty cancelling contracts with energy suppliers. These complaints echo the same problems…

Report: Lean and Green - The Massachusetts Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN)

November 10, 2014

The Massachusetts Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN) is an association of nonprofit agencies that coordinate the delivery of government and utility-funded energy efficiency services to low-income utility customers throughout Massachusetts. Since 1997, LEAN’s member agencies have delivered energy efficiency upgrades to more than 100,000 low-income Massachusetts households. Still, up to 200,000 low-income homes still need…

Helping Low-Income Utility Customers Manage Overdue Bills through Arrearage Management Programs (AMP)

September 17, 2013

Across the country, low-income customers struggle to pay their utility bills. Their incomes are simply too low to keep up with gas and electric bills. Fortunately, Massachusetts has one of the strongest panoplies of low-income programs and policies in the country to make sure low-income households can maintain critical utility services. These programs include protections…

Toxic Transactions: How Land Installment Contracts Once Again Threaten Communities of Color

July 14, 2016

This NCLC report documents a new wave of predatory real estate lending, previously peddled to African-Americans during the 1930s to 1960s, as Wall Street investment companies move to profit off foreclosed homes. The report urges the CFPB to issue rules to protect vulnerable consumers across the nation.

Shifting into Gear: A Revised Guide to Creating or Improving a Car Ownership Program

April 15, 2014

A car can be an incredibly useful and sometimes indispensable tool for low and moderate income families. Unfortunately many families are unable to get and keep a reliable car at fair terms. While improving public policy is beginning to address some of the abuses in the sale and financing of cars, even in a fair…

How Victims of Crime and Domestic Violence Survivors in Massachusetts Can Receive Discounted Voice and Data Service through the Federal Lifeline Program

May 1, 2019

For crime victims or domestic violence survivors, a phone can be a lifeline to police protection, emergency service, medical assistance, legal help, and support services and networks. But many lose phone service or have difficulty affording it because of financial disruption, separation, or relocation.

The Other Foreclosure Crisis: Sampling of Recent Tax Lien or Tax Deed Sales in Various Cities

July 1, 2012

Supplemental Material for The Other Foreclosure Crisis report.

The Other Foreclosure Crisis: State Tax Sale Law Summary

July 1, 2012

Summary of State Tax Sale Laws.

The Other Foreclosure Crisis: Case Studies

July 1, 2012

Supplemental Material for The Other Foreclosure Crisis report.

The Other Foreclosure Crisis: Property Tax Lien Sales

July 1, 2012

Local governments are facing financial pressures that necessitate a steady stream of tax revenue. Yet, many homeowners have been negatively affected by the difficult economic times. This report looks at ways in which local governments can assist homeowners who justifiably have payment problems, without also increasing the cost of collection or limiting tax revenues. Most…

Comments on Potential Manufactured Home Chattel Loans Pilots

March 21, 2017

Comments to the Federal Housing Finance Agency re: Request for Public Input on Potential Manufactured Home Chattel Loans Pilots.

Comments on Fannie Mae's & Freddie Mac's Proposed Underserved Markets Plans

July 10, 2017

Group Comments on implementation of Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s duty to serve the manufactured housing market, July 10, 2017

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