Press Release

Congressman McHenry To Host Homeownership Seminar

Event To Promote Homeownership, Give Families Assistance With Mortgage, Foreclosure Issues

Washington, January 4, 2008 | Wes Climer ((202) 225 2576)
Today, Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) announced that he will host a Homeownership Promotion and Foreclosure Prevention Seminar on January 7 at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Millions of Americans will be impacted by the nationwide downturn in the housing sector. According to the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, more than 45,000 small businesses and households faced foreclosure in North Carolina last year, including nearly 5,190 in the ten counties comprising the Tenth Congressional District. Those numbers are projected to rise in the coming year.

The seminar is designed to give Western North Carolina families an opportunity to receive expert advice on a range of housing issues. It will begin with a roundtable discussion of housing issues, featuring Congressman McHenry, the HOPE NOW Alliance and NeighborWorks America, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the North Carolina Housing Coalition, and the Olive Hill Community Economic Development Corporation.

Attendees will then be able to visit booths set up by participating organizations to receive personal, private advice on their particular housing concerns.

“As a realtor, I know that buying and owning a home can be a complicated process. Given the recent turmoil in the housing market, I know that many folks could use more information about what’s going on, and a confidential place to discuss their own situations. I am pleased to partner with these organizations to bring this kind of assistance to Western North Carolina,” said Congressman McHenry.

“This seminar will be an invaluable resource for homeowners and those looking to purchase a home. My goal is to help every family in Western North Carolina realize the American dream of homeownership.”

Participating organizations include:
  • HOPE NOW Alliance – An organization of counselors, servicers, investors, and other mortgage market participants dedicated to helping homeowners cope with housing costs
  • NeighborWorks America – A national nonprofit organization that provides financial support, technical assistance, and training for community-based revitalization efforts
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – A federal agency devoted to increasing homeownership, supporting community development, and increasing access to affordable housing
  • North Carolina Housing Coalition – A nonprofit membership organization working to provide quality housing opportunities for low-income North Carolinians
  • The Olive Hill Community Economic Development Corporation – A Morganton, NC based organization dedicated to local economic development
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