Press Release
Date: 10/06/2006
Contact: Dave Weissbard, Community Relations Specialist
Phone: 315-386-3576 x34
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local authorities tapped to share expertise
Kathy Cary, Housing Assistance Manager for the St. Lawrence County Housing Council, Inc., and Keith Zimmerman, Director of the St. Lawrence County Planning Office made a presentation on “Battling Rising Housing Prices”this week to a statewide gathering sponsored by the New York State Governor´s Office for Small Cities.
Ms. Cary oversees the 8-10 classes the Housing Council offers each year for people who are interested in becoming first-time home buyers. Those who complete the Council´s popular class are eligible for personal interviews to determine whether they meet the qualifications for financial assistance which can cover closing costs, reduce mortgage principal, and assist in some renovation costs. Last year, the Housing Council aided 61 St. Lawrence County families in achieving their goal of homeownership for the first time. During her 7 years at the Housing Council, Kathy has administered more than $5 million in home ownership funding. The Housing Council recently received a grant of $600,000 from the Governor´s Office for Small Cities which brings to $1.1 million dollars the amount the Council has had available for assistance this year alone.
The St. Lawrence Co. Housing Council is a chartered member of NeighborWorks America, a nationwide network of 240 trained and certified community development organizations at work in more than 4,000 communities across America. Working in partnership with others, NeighborWorks® organizations are leaders in strengthening communities and creating affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families. Kathy, who is a licensed real estate broker with 15 years experience, has been certified by NeighborWorks in Homeownership and Community Lending.
The next available class, which provides potential buyers with the knowledge they need to make purchasing a successful experience, will be the 8-hour “fast track” version that will be offered on Saturday, November 18th. Anyone interested in enrolling should contact the St. Lawrence County Housing Council at 386-8576.