News Release

June 4, 2009

Contact: Douglas Robinson, 202-220-2360, drobinson@nw.org
Erin Angell Collins, 202 220-631,eangell@nw.org

NeighborWorks America Salutes National Homeownership Month

Washington D.C.—NeighborWorks America today announced a series of consumer outreach efforts to support affordable, sustainable and healthy homes and neighborhoods during the 2009 National Homeownership Month.

“For more than 30 years, NeighborWorks America and its network of affiliates around the country have supported and encouraged affordable and sustainable homeownership,” said Ken Wade CEO of NeighborWorks America. “We’re continuing those efforts and this month are launching increased marketing and social media efforts to put the right information in the hands of potential homeowners so that they achieve the American Dream of homeownership for the long-run.”

Among the activities the corporation and its affiliate network plan for June are:

• NeighborWorks America will post a “homebuyer tip of the day” on its National Homeownership Month Web page, the NeighborWorks News Blog, and its Twitter and Facebook channels.
• Create a series of podcast interviews with homeowners on the topic, “What homeownership means to me.” For a sample, visit the NeighborWorks America YouTube channel.
• Distribute guidance on how a homeowner facing financial difficulty avoids a foreclosure rescue scam, with special emphasis on reaching people of diverse native languages.
• Continue to encourage homeowners who face foreclosure to reach out for help through a HUD-certified mortgage counselor. A list of counseling organizations can be found at findaforeclosurecounselor.org, and hud.gov/foreclosure/.
• Hold a series of homeownership education classes and fairs during NeighborWorks Week, June 6-13, 2009.
• Participate in industry training and education events that strengthen the non-profit housing counseling community to meet the needs of homebuyers and existing homeowners
  

About NeighborWorks America
NeighborWorks America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $19.5 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals.