Sign This Petition to Demand Justice for Struggling Veterans!

Every day, America’s veterans face financial struggles after sacrificing so much for our country. But for those who are already in financial distress and forced into bankruptcy, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adds another devastating blow—they are excluded from the Veteran Assistance Structured Program (VASP). This unjust policy denies help to those who need it most, leaving countless veterans at risk of losing their homes, their stability, and their dignity.

We Must Act Now!

Veterans facing bankruptcy, particularly under Chapter 13 bankruptcy, are already navigating some of the darkest moments of their lives. Chapter 13 bankruptcy is designed to help individuals reorganize their debts and create a repayment plan to avoid foreclosure. However, the VA’s policy excludes veterans in active Chapter 13 bankruptcy from accessing the VASP program, which could provide them with the financial relief and stability they desperately need.

Instead of finding a safety net, veterans in Chapter 13 bankruptcy are met with exclusion and indifference. This policy punishes veterans for their financial hardship rather than helping them rebuild. It’s time to stand up and demand change!

Why This Matters:

Veterans in active bankruptcy are already struggling to survive and protect their families from homelessness.
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a structured plan to regain financial stability, yet VA policies treat it as a disqualifier for assistance.
Exclusion from the VASP program deprives them of critical resources and assistance needed to recover.
This policy exacerbates mental health issues, destabilizes families, and increases the risk of suicide among veterans who feel abandoned.
It is fundamentally unfair and contradicts the VA’s mission to serve those who served us.
What We’re Demanding:

Challenge the Legality of This Policy: We call for a formal review and challenge to the VA’s exclusionary policy, ensuring it complies with federal law and the VA’s obligation to support veterans.
Accountability for Harm Caused: Veterans harmed by this policy deserve acknowledgment, transparency, and corrective action for the damage inflicted on their lives.
Policy Reform and Remedies: We demand immediate changes to VA policies, including making the VASP program accessible to ALL veterans, regardless of bankruptcy status, particularly those in Chapter 13 bankruptcy who are actively working toward financial recovery.
Financial Compensation Where Applicable: Veterans who have suffered harm due to this discriminatory policy should be eligible for financial compensation to address the hardships they have endured.
The Reality of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy: Chapter 13 bankruptcy is not a sign of failure but a responsible effort to regain control of finances. It allows individuals to develop repayment plans under court supervision, protecting their homes and providing a pathway to financial recovery. Veterans who have turned to Chapter 13 bankruptcy should be supported, not penalized, for taking steps to resolve their financial struggles.

By excluding veterans in Chapter 13 bankruptcy from VASP, the VA effectively undermines the very purpose of the bankruptcy system and creates additional barriers for veterans to recover. This must end.

Our Veterans Deserve Better! Veterans have already paid the price for our freedoms—they should not have to pay again by being denied the help they need. It’s time to right this wrong and show our veterans they are not forgotten.

Sign the Petition Now and help us hold the VA accountable. Together, we can protect those who protected us. Let’s ensure no veteran is left behind in their time of need!

 

*************************VHPSA is the answer*************************

KOVH Proposed Policy: Veteran Home Protection and Stability Act (VHPSA)

The Purpose: To provide comprehensive support for veterans and their families facing foreclosure or financial hardship by expanding access to critical mortgage relief programs, improving lender accountability, and ensuring that no veteran family is left without housing due to restrictive eligibility requirements.

Section 1: Expanding Access to VA Mortgage Relief Programs

1.1. Eliminate Bankruptcy Exclusion

Current Issue: Veterans in active bankruptcy are ineligible for critical programs like the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP), despite bankruptcy being a responsible tool to manage overwhelming debt.
Proposed Solution:

Veterans in active Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 bankruptcy shall be eligible for VA mortgage relief programs, provided they meet other program requirements (e.g., occupancy and proof of income).

Programs must accept veterans who have demonstrated the ability to resume or maintain modified payments under a court-approved bankruptcy repayment plan.

1.2. Automatic Enrollment for Pandemic-Affected Borrowers: Veterans whose financial hardship is directly linked to the COVID-19 pandemic (job loss, medical expenses, etc.) will automatically qualify for mortgage assistance without restrictions based on bankruptcy or other financial actions taken during the pandemic.

Section 2: Enhanced Lender Accountability and Transparency

2.1. Mandatory Loan Modification and Forbearance Lenders servicing VA-guaranteed loans must offer loan modification or forbearance options for borrowers facing financial hardship.

Minimum Requirements:

Extend loan terms up to 40 years to reduce monthly payments.
Offer interest rate reductions or principal forbearance where necessary to ensure affordability.
Provide interest-free repayment options for deferred payments due to financial hardship.

2.2. Independent Oversight of Lenders: Establish an independent Veteran Mortgage Assistance Oversight Board (VMAOB) to monitor lender compliance with VA mortgage relief guidelines.

The VMAOB will have the authority to: Impose fines on lenders who fail to offer or implement reasonable accommodations for veteran borrowers.
Audit lender practices and publish annual compliance reports.

Section 3: Veteran Foreclosure Prevention Fund

3.1. Emergency Financial Assistance: Create a Veteran Foreclosure Prevention Fund to provide direct financial assistance to veterans at risk of foreclosure.

Eligible uses include:

Temporary mortgage payment assistance.

Legal representation in foreclosure proceedings.
Financial counseling and budgeting support.

3.2. Collaboration with Nonprofits Allocate federal grants to nonprofit organizations, such as KOVH (Keep Our Vets Housed), to provide outreach, education, and direct support to veteran families in need.

Nonprofits will serve as community partners to identify at-risk veteran households and connect them with available resources.

Section 4: Strengthening Protections for Veteran Homeowners

4.1. Moratorium on Foreclosures Implement a mandatory 12-month foreclosure moratorium for veterans who apply for VA mortgage relief or bankruptcy protection. This period will allow veterans to stabilize their finances and negotiate loan modifications without the immediate threat of losing their homes.

4.2. Legal Protection from Discriminatory Practices Prohibit lenders from penalizing or denying veterans access to relief programs based on their bankruptcy status, pandemic-related hardship, or use of other financial relief mechanisms.

Enforce anti-discrimination provisions through the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

In Conclusion:
The Veteran Home Protection and Stability Act (VHPSA) will provide the necessary support and protections for veteran families to avoid foreclosure, stabilize their financial situations, and maintain safe, affordable housing. By removing restrictive eligibility criteria, enhancing lender accountability, and providing direct financial assistance, this policy ensures that no veteran family is left behind.

Call to Action: We urge legislators to support and advance the VHPSA to protect the homes and livelihoods of those who have served our country and their families.

DECEMBER 31st, the pause on all VA foreclosures is lifted, leaving hundreds of thousands of veteran families facing homelessness.. Legislators must act now!!

 

💬 Sign the petition today and help us provide the safety and stability our heroes and their families deserve.

🖋️ Sign and Share — Because every veteran deserves a place to call home.