Rio Grande Homeownership Fair

In commemoration of the Homeownership Month in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, the HUD San Juan Office participated on June 3, 2002 in a Homeownership Orientation Fair held in the Municipality of Río Grande. The Activity was sponsored by Hon. Emilio Rosa-Pacheco, Mayor of Río Grande Municipal Government, and by several mortgage bankers.

With the slogan "Achieve Your Dream: The Key to Your Home", the Mayor opened up the Week, by expressing his commitment to develop and implement innovative ideas and initiatives to help families achieve their dream of owning a home. As part of this commitment, the Mayor has established an agreement with Doral Bank. Through this agreement, low-income families are given the opportunity to acquire their first home. Doral Bank is the first financial institution approved by the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York to offer "Doral Bank First Home Club" in Puerto Rico. Through this program $1 saved by the family is matched by $3 from Doral Bank. Other services offered by the First Home Club are budgeting and home counseling.

A Proclamation designating June 3 to 7, 2002 as Homeownership Week in the Municipality was presented to Selene Proenza, Field Office Director's (FOD) Liaison for Programs and Initiatives. On behalf of the HUD San Juan Office, Ms. Proenza expressed her appreciation for the Municipality's collaboration in this endeavor, and encouraged the Mayor and his staff to continue working and establishing collaborative relationships with the federal, state and local government, community groups, and the private sector to help families obtain a home, while helping to build a stronger community.

A Proclamation was also presented to Mrs. María Tolentino, a first-time homeowner. A total of 338 people were provided with orientation and handouts by staff from the Municipality's Section 8 Homeownership Program, and by representatives from Doral Financial Corporation, HF Mortgage Bankers, Doral Bank, Mortgage Store, Pan American Finance, Popular Mortgage, USDA/Rural Development, and HUD.

Miguel Ramírez, Rural Development, provides orientation.	María Tolentino, a Río Grande first-time homeowner