STAND UP AGAINST PREDATORY LENDING

Empowering communities to fight against unfair lenders

The National Coalition Against Predatory Lending is dedicated to empowering individuals to resist and challenge predatory lenders. We focus on advocating for marginalized communities that are often targets of unfair lending practices.

The National Coalition Against Predatory Lending (NCAPL) is committed to meeting the challenges posed by predatory lenders. We know what it means not to have a voice, we also know the power of our voice and advocacy. It is crucial to stand up to lenders who use tactics to undermine homeownership autonomy and inhibit the ability to generate wealth equity. NACPL works with homeowners, community advocates, legal agencies, and housing specialists. We advocate in communities of low-income, minority, and working-class populations.

It is beyond outrageous that these acts of modern-day sharecropping are taking place. NCAPL will not stand by and hand over our legacies to any crook in our neighborhoods. As we say, “We’re not done with you yet!”

AUGUST 7, 2025 - Public Hearing: Regulation of Shared Appreciation Mortgages

The National Coalition Against Predatory Lending led the way of grassroots advocacy attending showing up in numbers to testify at the public hearing to discuss the regulation of Shared Appreciation Mortgages from the Massachusetts State Attorney General’s Office. The event served as a crucial step in the coalition's ongoing advocacy campaign to expose BlueHub Capital as a predatory lender. The hearing was attended by a robust group of 18 members and supporters in person, with additional participants joining online. NCAPL proposed meaningful revisions to the proposed regulations that keep the security of homeowners from predatory lending and abuse of Shared Appreciation Mortgage at the forefront of tackling this complex issue.

Key Participants and Testimony

The in-person attendees included prominent figures in consumer advocacy. Nardella Thomas, NCAPL Founder, Bruce Marks, CEO and Founder of the Neighborhood Corporation of America (NACA), was present, along with attorney Jeffrey Wiesner. The hearing featured testimony from industry experts such as Andraa Bopp Stark of the National Consumer Law Center and Todd Kaplan of Greater Boston Legal Services. A representative from the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association was also in attendance. Several NCAPL members testified in person and provided written statements, thanks Derrick, Larry, Patricia, WillieAnn, Maureen, Richie, Selena, and JoAnn.

The coalition received further support from the Marcus Anthony Education Institute, which brought a teen cohort to the hearing. The event was marked by a compelling testimony from Grace Ross, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Alliance Against Predatory Lending (MAAPL), which was described as "riveting."

Central Allegations Against BlueHub Capital

The hearing focused on the coalition's charge that BlueHub Capital operates as a predatory lender. A primary accusation was that the organization engaged in collusion with Governor Healey to pass a law that grants non-profit organizations immunity from consumer protection laws when implementing Shared Appreciation Mortgages. Industry experts and NCAPL public testimony before the state's top law enforcement office underscored their determination to seek justice and expose these practices.

BlueHub's Response and the Coalition's Stance

Although BlueHub Capital had a representative at the hearing, the organization chose not to defend its position on Shared Appreciation Mortgages. The representative did not address the coalition's concerns regarding the CEO's $1.1 million compensation or provide any homeowners to speak in support of their program. BlueHub's silence on these key issues as a powerful message, demonstrating that the organization could not control the narrative being presented. NCAPL felt this was a testament to advocacy in action and that their collective voice was a powerful force.

Next Steps

The hearing was considered a success for the coalition, marking another victory in their fight. The next step is a planned protest to continue drawing public attention to the issue.