HUD ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO HELP VERMONT FAMILIES FIND OR KEEP THEIR HOMES

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded $39,331 in funding to the Central Vermont Community Action Council to assist families and individuals in becoming first-time homeowners or remain homeowners after their purchase. Renters and homeless individuals and families will also benefit from the counseling offered by
the grants. The funding is part of $41.7 million announced nationwide.

"Central Vermont Community Action Council will provide counseling services that will help meet our goal of increasing minority homeownership by 5.5 million families nationwide by the end of the decade," said HUD Regional Director
Taylor Caswell. "More families than ever are receiving counseling services and more families are purchasing and keeping their homes."

Organizations that provide housing counseling services help people become or remain homeowners or find rental housing. HUD-funded housing counseling agencies also assist homeless persons to find the transitional housing they need to move toward a permanent place to live. HUD awards annual grants through a competitive process. Organizations that apply for grants must be HUD-approved and are subject to biennial performance reviews to maintain their HUD-approved status.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and, supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as
well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

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