(Brooklyn Park) June 15, 2004 - In a concerted effort to inform the general public about a number of homeownership and home improvement programs currently offered to residents, Anne Arundel County is sponsoring a "Housing Fair 2004" from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on June 19, 2004 at the Chesapeake Arts Center, located at 194 Hammonds Lane in Brooklyn Park, Maryland. The Housing Fair will feature exhibits, presentations, information about housing assistance programs and family activities. In addition, attendees will have a chance to talk to housing counselors, lenders and Realtors and to hear about how to qualify for assistance with the purchase and improvement of homes in Anne Arundel County. The main highlight of the event is a 10:00 a.m. program featuring County Executive Janet S. Owens, who will be on hand to help showcase the County's efforts on behalf of homeownership and make a special award to those who have participated in recent Brooklyn Park initiatives. "Homeownership is an essential building block for every citizen and a top priority for my administration," says Ms. Owens. "It is a key to upward mobility for low and middle income Americans. It is an anchor for families and a source of stability for communities. And it is a source of pride for people who have worked hard to provide for their families." Sponsored by Arundel Community Development Services, Inc. (ACDS) a private, nonprofit corporation established in 1993 by Anne Arundel County to create and retain affordable housing opportunities within the County, the first annual Housing Fair is being held in conjunction with the observance of National Homeownership Month, celebrated annually in June by the U.S. Department of Housing and Community Development. This year's theme, "Make the American Dream a Reality," reinforces the hope that Americans will be given the information and inspiration necessary to achieve the dream and valuable goal of homeownership. All Anne Arundel County citizens are encouraged to attend this first time event, which will feature door prizes, raffles, presentations, and a full range of informational exhibits. The County's affordable housing programs, administered by ACDS, are designed to assist first time homebuyers and homeowners with the purchase or improvement of their homes. "We have planned the Housing Fair in an effort to reach out to our County residents, in hopes that everyone can learn more about all of the affordable housing programs available - programs that help people buy a home for the first time, programs that counsel people in what to look for when buying a home, and programs that help homeowners make improvements so that their homes are safer, more accessible, more modern," states Kathleen M. Koch, Executive Director of ACDS. The ACDS homeownership programs offer credit counseling, closing cost and down payment assistance, and technical and financial assistance for homeowners needing rehabilitation assistance including modifications that might be needed to accommodate a physically disabled family member. Showcased at the Housing Fair will be details on the new property rehabilitation improvement program being offered to Brooklyn Park residents. The program offers no interest, deferred loans of up to $40,000 for the renovation of dwellings that can include structural and mechanical interior upgrades, modernization and exterior refurbishment. Designed specifically for the rehabilitation of rowhouse homes on Ballman Court, Brookwood Road, Southerly Road, Wasena Avenue, 4th Street, Patrick Henry Drive and Wood Street in Brooklyn Park, the program uses a combination of federal and State funds to encourage wholesale revitalization of this specially targeted community. ACDS, with a 30 person staff of professional planners, construction specialists and financial advisors, seeks out and manages federal, State and local government funds to help low and moderate income populations and those with special needs and works to restore health and vitality to communities in need of revitalization and stabilization. It is the overall mission of ACDS to create and retain affordable housing opportunities and ensure the efficient delivery of community development services to those most in need in Anne Arundel County. For more information, contact Kathleen Koch, Executive Director, Arundel Community Development Services, Inc. at 410-222-7600. |
