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2005 Press Release

ATTENTION: EDITORS / ASSIGNMENT EDITORS

Contact:

Julia Wanzco, press secretary, U.S. Rep. Phil English: 202-225-5406
Neil Cotiaux, Federal Home Loan Bank: 412-288-2851; cell: 412-335-9488


ENGLISH TO CONDUCT HOUSING FORUM, PRESENT GRANTS ON JANUARY 5: AFFORDABLE HOUSING, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TO BE THE FOCUS OF TALKS

EDINBORO, PA, December 27, 2005 — U.S. Rep. Phil English (PA-3) and officials of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) will hold a Housing Forum Thursday, January 5, 2006, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Alumni House on the campus of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, 210 Meadville Street, Edinboro.

English will begin this community discussion by presenting Affordable Housing Program grants totaling $419,000 to the sponsor of two area projects — 29 new construction, single-family homes for low- and very-low-income, first-time homebuyers in Erie County and three single-family homes for moderate-income, first-time homebuyers in Erie's mid-city neighborhood. Both projects are being developed by Housing and Neighborhood Development Service (HANDS).

Affordable housing advocates, bankers, builders, REALTORS©, elected representatives and officials of Edinboro University will join Congressman English at the forum. The congressman will provide a status report on affordable housing and economic and community development. The group will also discuss private and public aid available to homebuyers, nonprofits and developers, including the FHLBank's Home Buyer Equity Fund, which provides down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers of limited financial means.

Edinboro University President Dr. Frank G. Pogue and Brian Hudson, executive director of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), will make remarks along with Congressman English.

Representatives of the news media are invited to cover both the check presentation ceremony at 11 a.m. and subsequent Town Hall discussion.