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ATTENTION: EDITORS/ASSIGNMENT EDITORS

Contact:
Neil Cotiaux, FHLBank of Pittsburgh: 412-288-2851; cell: 412-335-9488
Debra Anderson, U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah, 202-225-4001

FATTAH, 16 AREA BANKS TO UNVEIL $6 MILLION PROGRAM:
HOME DOWN PAYMENTS, CLOSING COSTS THE FOCUS IN GREATER PHILADELPHIA

PHILADELPHIA, PA, April 14, 2006 — U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (PA-2) and 16 area banks will announce a more than $6 million program to assist lower-income first-time homebuyers at an event in northwest Philadelphia on April 19.

Congressman Fattah will appear at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, at Germantown Settlement–Greater Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, 5538-C Wayne Avenue, to announce the program. Representatives of Philadelphia banks and nonprofits, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank), builders, REALTORS© and other community-based groups will also participate. Speakers will outline the nature and benefits of the new grant program and explain how homebuyers across the region can apply. At least 1,000 first-time homebuyers are expected to be assisted by this new initiative.

Directions

From Schuylkill Expressway: From I-95 North get on I-76 West and stay in the right lane under the Roosevelt Boulevard sign. You'll see signs for the Wissahickon/Germantown/Wayne Avenue exit. Exit to the right. Another sign will show Germantown/Wayne Avenue. Take the Germantown/Wayne Avenue exit. After taking this exit, bear left; you will see the Wayne Avenue sign. At the first light (Wayne Avenue), turn left. Go through seven lights to Maplewood Mall and turn left into the parking lot. Turn right at the second opening; you will see Germantown Settlement's banner, entrance and parking area. Call 215-849-3104 for additional assistance.

From Route 309: Follow PA-309 South. Cross Cheltenham Avenue (turns into Ogontz Avenue). Travel on Ogontz Avenue to Chew Avenue (landmarks: Central High School and Ogontz Manor Apartment Bldg.). Turn right onto Chew Avenue. Follow Chew Avenue to Chelten Avenue; turn left onto Chelten Avenue (landmarks: Rite Aid Drug Store and Lincoln Chicken). Follow Chelten Avenue to Wayne Avenue (landmarks: Pickett Middle School, Burger King and Pathmark Market), turn left at the Pathmark, proceed to the first light and turn right into the parking lot of the Burgess Building, the large building with approximately eight steps. Call 215-849-3104 for additional assistance.

From I-76: Merge onto I-76 East toward Philadelphia. Take Exit 340A on the left toward Lincoln Drive/Kelly Drive. Merge onto City Avenue West. Take the exit on the left toward Lincoln Drive. Turn slight right onto Lincoln Drive. Turn slight right onto West Harvey Street. Turn right onto Wayne Avenue. At the first light, Armat Street, turn right into the parking lot. Turn right at the second opening; you will see Germantown Settlement's banner, entrance and parking area. Call 215-849-3104 for additional assistance.