For Immediate Release Contact: Robert Polner September 27, 2007 212.998.2337 robert.polner@nyu.edu

While the sub-prime mortgage market has increased home ownership in minority communities, a large number of black and Latino homeowners living in these communities are now facing foreclosure. Tighter regulations, decaying housing stock and high-cost adjustable-rate mortgages are making it virtually impossible for many minority homebuyers to refinance or sell their homes. As a result, minority communities are overwhelmed by housing vacancies, sapping these communities of much-needed wealth, capital, and political fortitude.

The Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University will host a discussion Thursday, Oct. 4, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm entitled “Risking the American Dream: Minority Communities and the Mortgage Crisis.” Featured speakers will include Sarah Gerecke, CEO, Neighborhood Housing Services of NYC, and Ingrid Ellen, Associate Professor of Public Policy and Urban Planning, NYU Wagner and Co-Director, Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy, jointly operated by the NYU School of Law and Wagner.

The event, part of the Racenomics Discussion Series, is sponsored by the Students of African Descent Alliance Wagner Student Group and will be held at the Wagner School, The Puck Building, 2nd Floor, 295 Lafayette St. (@ Houston), Manhattan.

  • WHAT: A discussion sponsored by the Students of African Descent Alliance Wagner Student Group entitled “Risking the American Dream: Minority Communities and the Mortgage Crisis.”
  • WHO: Sarah Gerecke, CEO, Neighborhood Housing Services of NYC; Ingrid Ellen, Associate Professor of Public Policy and Urban Planning, NYU Wagner.
  • WHERE: Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, The Rudin Family Forum for Civic Dialogue, The Puck Building, 2nd Floor, 295 Lafayette St. (at Houston St.), Manhattan.
  • WHEN: Thursday, October 4, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

RSVP online at http://wagner.nyu.edu/events. Space is limited.


Established in 1938, the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service offers advanced programs leading to the professional degrees of Master of Public Administration, Master of Urban Planning, Master of Science in Management, and Doctor of Philosophy. Through these rigorous programs, NYU Wagner educates the future leaders of public, nonprofit, and health institutions as well as private organizations serving the public sector. http://wagner.nyu.edu

Press Contact

Robert Polner
Robert Polner
(212) 998-2337