Update 08/13/2008
Nehemiah Corporation of America announced the launch of www.DPAGroundSwell.org, a web-based community established to mobilize the growing industry opposition to the October 1 ban on seller-funded downpayment assistance (SF-DPA).

This site enables visitors to directly contact local representatives and offer support for a bill introduced by Representatives Maxine Waters, Gary Miller, Al Green and Christopher Shays on July 31, 2008, that would reinstate SF-DPA.  If passed and signed into law, the FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 6694) will allow downpayment assistance to continue indefinitely.

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UPDATE, 07/31/08
a new bill, The FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 was introduced by several members of Congress on Thursday, July 31, 2008.  Representatives Maxine Waters, Gary Miller, Al Green and Christopher Shays sponsored this bill that if passed and signed into law will allow downpayment assistance to continue indefinitely. “Maxine Waters, Gary Miller, Al Green and Christopher Shays have demonstrated the willingness to understand all sides of this issue and the courage and leadership to follow their conscience.  All those who understand the importance of working class American’s having their shot at homeownership, need to work together to encourage our elected officials to pass this bill.” 
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Click here to help and contact your local elected officials, http://capwiz.com/nehemia/issues/alert/?alertid=11598811

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Go to this website:
http://www.rallyforhomeownership.org/

..form will go to your local Congressmen and Senators.
CONGRESS MET ABOUT THIS JULY 23rd

HUD has reissued its rule to ban seller-assisted downpayment assistance programs and the charitable organizations that make homeownership a reality for thousands of families across the United States.

• Many Americans would be unable to buy a home

• The government would spend your taxpayer dollars to replace DPAs

• There would be fewer homeowners to add to the tax base and improve communities

• No mortgage options for people who can afford a monthly mortgage payment but do not have enough saved for a downpayment

• The struggling housing market would be negatively impacted

• Sellers would suffer from a smaller pool of potential buyers

MORE ON THIS STORY IN THE WASHINGTON POST