LA groups seek stimulus funds for homeowners and job training

(L.A. Times) Hundreds

of delegates from Los Angeles-area religious, labor and community

organizations gathered Sunday at Wilshire Boulevard Temple to propose

that federal stimulus funds go toward helping homeowners avoid

foreclosure and improving job training programs.

The two-hour assembly organized by One LA-IAF, a network of

congregations, schools, unions and other groups, was designed to press

local political leaders to spend the federal money on issues that the

organization considers the most pressing. Several City Council members

attended the event.

Yvette Roland, of the Transfiguration Church, told the 700 attendees

that at least 19,000 South Los Angeles residents have either lost their

homes to foreclosure or are about to, a number that has jumped 60%

since last year and doubled in some neighborhoods.

"There's no stimulus funding allocated in South Los Angeles to help out

individuals and families before they're in foreclosure," Roland said.

Christina Yniguez, 41, took the stage to say she was laid off a year

ago by a mortgage company and now faces foreclosure. "I am unable to

hold onto to my family's home, but I'm very positive that with your

continued assistance and support, I'll be able to rebuild," she said.

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