For Immediate Release

March 30, 2006

Contact: Becky Fleischauer, 202-220-2360; bfleischauer@nw.org

Before Disaster Strikes: Prepare or Beware
Community Leaders Convene in Dallas to Learn How to Build Stronger Neighborhoods and Educate Consumers

Dallas – Community development leaders from across the nation will be convening in Dallas April 3-7, 2006 for the NeighborWorks® Training Institute—the nation’s premier community development training and education institute for professionals and community leaders to learn about the latest tools and upgrade their capabilities in promoting homeownership and community development among low- and moderate-income families. NeighborWorks America is the nation’s largest certifier of homeownership education counselors.

The Dallas NeighborWorks Training Institute will feature an April 5th national symposium on disaster preparedness and response -- “Before Disaster Strikes: Prepare or Beware.” Featured symposium speakers include U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials, city and county emergency management experts, and community leaders who have triumphed over significant natural disasters in the last ten years. The symposium will address the critical role of community development organizations in disaster preparedness and response.

Ken Wade, Chief Executive Officer of NeighborWorks America said, “The last year demonstrated just how much help communities need to effectively prepare to avoid disaster, mitigate harm and survive major changes. This symposium is an important step toward creating more resilient, prepared communities.”

In addition to disaster preparedness, the Institute will offer more than 80 classes, including a new slate of “green” courses promoting environmentally-friendly and healthier communities. Participants can earn professional certification in eight specialty areas, including homeownership education/counseling and community lending, neighborhood revitalization, and affordable housing development.

If you would like to receive media credentials to attend and cover the Training Institute, please contact Becky Fleischauer at bfleischauer@nw.org or 202-220-2360.

About NeighborWorks America
NeighborWorks America provides financial support, technical assistance and training for communities across the nation, including the NeighborWorks network—a nationwide network of more than 240 community development organizations working in more than 4,400 urban, suburban and rural communities across America. These organizations engage in revitalization strategies that strengthen communities and transform lives. In the last five years alone, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $10 billion in reinvestment and helped more than 780,000 families of modest means purchase or improve their homes or secure safe, decent rental or mutual housing.