The bottom line was that more than 200 people attended the Annual Anchorage Homebuyers Fair - one of the most successful they've held. The event took place in the gym of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, and was hosted by 13 organizations that including four faith-based groups and an Indian housing authority. A total of 19 groups staffed booths at the Fair and made homebuying information available for soon-to-be and want-to-be homebuyers. Thanks to financial support from several sponsors of the fair, Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) offered the first 100 credit reports free of charge. Their booth was inundated by early arrivals - even before the Fair officially opened.

A fair organizer sets up balloons outside the entrance to Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church - right in front of the pastor's parking space.	One lucky fairgoer received a $200 gift certificate - and at least 25 of the participants used the fair to take a chance on homeownership.

The organizing task force included representatives of Catholic Social Services, Christian Health Associates, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and Habitat for Humanity. To help spread the word about the fair, these groups and other organizers contacted representatives of the Anchorage Ministerial Alliance, the Archdiocese of Anchorage, the Baptist ministers' group and the military chaplains. On the Sunday immediately before the Fair, a half-page-sized flier was inserted into bulletins in many churches across the city.

The HUD booth greeted prospective homebuyers as they entered Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church's gym for the Fair.

As a result of the Fair and with the help of CCCS reports, 10 families immediately were able to start the home buying process. They underwent pre-purchase assessments and prequalifications for their new homes and were referred to lenders. CCCS also said another 15 families are repairing their credit with assistance the counseling service, and will be ready for home purchases in the near future. One family, who was unable to communicate effectively in English but received Spanish language assistance at the Fair, is among the second 15 families.

In a follow-up meeting after the September Homebuyer Fair, the organizers agreed this was one of the most successful homebuyer fairs held in Anchorage. The task force is laying the groundwork for next year's fair - and will be sure to contact churches and faith-based groups again for their assistance.

Join the crowd in the HUD Cafeteria today, from 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM - featuring an encore appearance of the Laurel Boys and Girls Club Cheerleaders, Squad 4, who dazzled the audience at the CFC Kick-off.