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Asian Americans in Las Vegas who are anxious about losing their homes will soon get extra help from the local Housing and Urban Development Office (HUD), a federal housing official said. At the same time, those who are experiencing discrimination are encouraged to talk to HUD officers so these issues can be addressed as well."We are adding more staff to our Las Vegas (
HUD) office to deal with these housing problems," HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity John Trasviña said."We want to do what we can to break down barriers," he told a group of Asian community leaders in a small group discussion on housing problems in Las Vegas.
The meeting, headed by the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC), was held last May 28 at Paris Las Vegas.Language and cultural barriers that prevent Asian homeowners from understanding housing laws and foreclosure rules are the most common problems experienced by Asian American communities in this city, the group told the Assistant Secretary.These issues are often the cause of a bigger problem where Asians become victims of predatory lending practices or loan modification scams.
Las Vegas is considered ground zero in the housing crisis that gripped the US since 2007. The city has been consistently topping the list of states with highest foreclosure rates since last year.
The local HUD office has been helping Las Vegas residents deal with housing and foreclosure issues. But additional consideration should be given to Asian Americans needing extra attention on their problems, the group said.
During the meeting, HUD Las Vegas field office director Kenneth LoBene encouraged Asian homeowners to call for an appointment to make sure a translator will be available to assist them when they go to the office for their concerns.
Trasviña, meanwhile, encouraged the group to get to know two officers who will soon be assigned to the local HUD office to assist in the needs of minorities in Las Vegas.
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