August 30, 2007 — Congressman Joe Baca (CA) was the honored guest of Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire (NHSIE) on August 27. In addition to receiving an update of the work taking place at NHSIE,  the purpose of Rep. Baca’s visit was to present a $207,033 check representing the FY 2007 grant award from NeighborWorks America. 
Margaret Frisbee, director Pacific district NeighborWorks America, with Rep. Joe Baca.

Participating in the check presentation to NHSIE were, from left, R. Delphine Pruitt, NHSIE chair; Margaret Frisbee, district director; Helen Moore, NHSIE executive director, and Rep. Baca.

Rep. Baca speaks in support of foreclosure prevention, encouraging use of the NeighborWorks Foreclosure Hotline.

Representative Baca focused his remarks on his support of the NeighborWorks Foreclosure Hotline and  the importance of educating homebuyers about the mortgage process and choosing a sustainable mortgage.  He encouraged the audience to announce the Foreclosure Hotline number to everyone possible. The number of homeowners facing foreclosure has had an impact upon one in every 33 homes in the Congressman's district, he said.    

NHSIE is currently involved with providing low and moderate income residents of San Bernardino County with access to affordable housing through education, counseling and lending activities. The recent foreclosure crisis has propelled NHSIE into providing crisis counseling directed towards residents facing a loss of their home due to mortgage default. 

Representative Baca is a member of the Congressional Financial Services Committee and has provided testimony regarding the impact of rising foreclosures upon constituents within District 43.  He is also the elected chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.