U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) is supporting bi-partisan legislation ensuring that certain nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity are protected from troubling mortgage restrictions that could impact the way affordable housing is provided to needy families.

 

The Nonprofit Mortgage Licensing Clarification Act amends existing legislation known as the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 to ensure that SAFE does not adversely impact nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and reinforces the criteria under which states grant exemptions for specific nonprofits. 

While the SAFE Act allows for exemptions for individual non-profit organizations, Luetkemeyer said many states have been hesitant to grant these exemptions for fear of being considered out of compliance with federal law.

“At a time when so many Americans are out of work or losing their homes, the last thing we should be doing is weakening non-profits like Habitat for Humanity that has helped families realize the American dream and that is why this bi-partisan legislation is critical,” Luetkemeyer said. “ I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on legislation that will allow groups like Habitat for Humanity to continue providing so much to so many.”

 

Habitat for Humanity is an organization that is committed to helping provide families an affordable place to live. Habitat for Humanity provides mortgages to families that are carefully screened, and the terms of the loans are based on affordability, homeowner education, and partnership with homeowners to ensure that they meet their homeowner obligations.

The legislation, HR 4400, was introduced by Democrat U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler of North Carolina, a colleague of Luetkemeyer’s on the House Small Business Committee.