Manuel de Paz feels like a weigh has lifted off his shoulders. He has been fighting for his home for a long time. After being “dual-tracked” by Bank of America — who tried to sell his Oakland home at auction in August 2012 while at the same time De Paz having an open loan modification application with the bank — CJJC organized a raucous protest outside a B of A branch.[see story and details here]  

The bank then assigned a “social media” representative to monitor the loan modification process.

It took four more months of back and forth with the bank, but this week of Dec.10, 2012, the bank offered De Paz a temporary loan modification at a low interest and thus lowering his payments.

This is a significant victory because De Paz declined to pay his mortgage on his home which is seriously underwater. He had been working long hours  and was no longer willing to work 12-14 hours a day, two jobs, six days a week to pay the bank for a home worth a fraction of the mortgage.

De Paz, who provides social services to immigrants and refugees at a local church, understands the power of unity to fight for our rights.