Laguna Woods Village is a senior community of over 18,000 residents located in Orange County, California that has been in existence since 1964.  From 1964 until 2010, homeowners were allowed to use FHA insured mortgages to purchase and refinance their properties.  Most importantly, in conjunction with their personal retirement planning,  they were permitted to access equity in their homes through Reverse Mortgages, also known as HECM.  Due to a series of onerous amendments  to the rules governing FHA loans generated by HUD in 2010, Laguna Woods Village was no longer qualified to receive the FHA approval that is essential to obtaining a HECM Reverse Mortgage.  Suddenly, residents who wanted to use equity in their homes for medical expenses, home improvements, living expenses, making ends meet after the loss of a spouse,  or just enjoy life with friends and family, could not. As a result, many have been forced to seek charitable assistance, depend on family or sell their property and relocate--all undesirable options.      There are many lenders willing to finance Reverse Mortgages for the residents, but they have been impeded by the loss of FHA approval for the community.  We need action from HUD to review and revise their recent amendments to enable seniors in Laguna Woods Village to utilize the benefits of the HECM Reverse Mortgage. As stated on the HUD website, "The HECM is a safe plan that can give older Americans greater financial security". We want, and deserve that option for  financial security for the residents of Laguna Woods Village.