Lending in America has been schizophrenic. The regulated part of the financial industry, banks, has by and large made responsible loans that enable communities to thrive. The unregulated part of the industry, independent mortgage companies financed by Wall Street, has issued reckless loans that have plunged this country into the most severe recession since the Great Depression.

Home foreclosures….job loss…health insurance, or lack thereof…plummeting 401ks….

Millions of Americans are hurting. And the hurt is crossing all racial, social and economic divides. No one is immune. People who never in their lives have needed help may now be knocking on your door.