Highbrid Outdoor is at it again. New York City’s premiere commuter van advertising company has launched another campaign this summer. You already know about the work H.O. has done with Air Jamaica (which will run thru winter of next year) and Universoul Circus, now Highbrid Outdoor welcomes a new member to our family of clients Jamaica Housing Improvement. Jamaica Housing Improvement, Inc. (JHI) is a non-for-profit organization formed in 1983 for the purpose of preventing housing abandonment, improving living conditions, and enhancing investment in residential properties in Southeast Queens. Since the beginning, JHI has worked with property owners, homeowners, financial institutions, residents, law enforcement, and private and public agencies to create programs that meet the short and long-term needs of those having interests in the economic and social vitality of Southeast Queens neighborhoods.

JHI provides consulting and supportive services to low- and moderate-income households through two core programs. The Apartment Improvement Program (AIP), the Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP). JHI will use H.O.’s commuter vans in Southeast Queens NY to inform the public about the predatory lending practices that are plaguing homeowners in this area and throughout the nation. Using the exterior of the vehicle JHI will have a tri –lingual message (English, Spanish, & Creole) they will compliment the message on the outside by placing informative literature on the inside for the passengers.

Simply put Predatory lending are a set of practices that unfairly disadvantage homeowners with schemes for financing home improvements or second mortgages, and those seeking a home with schemes for the acquisition of real property. Deceptive, or predatory, lenders use slick pitches to mislead homeowners into borrowing more money than they can repay. Their loans are based on the equity in your home-not on whether or not you can afford the monthly payments. Figure in the loans hidden fees, excessive points, and high interest rates and the actual costs balloons so much that you fall behind on payments and risk losing your home to foreclosure.

JHI’s campaign will run thru November. So if you’re in Queens NY look for the Jamaica Housing Improvement van. You can ask the driver for some informative literature as well. Fore more info on this non-for-profit agency visit www.jhihelp.com