DHCR Commissioner Visits Buffalo, Discusses Foreclosure Prevention, New Tool to Create Affordalbe Housing

ALBANY, NY (03/17/2009)(readMedia)-- Deborah VanAmerongen, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) will be in Buffalo on March 19 to discuss the state's role in addressing the foreclosure crisis and a new tool DHCR helped create to encourage investment in affordable housing and revitalize upstate communities.

The commissioner will also meet with Yvonne McCray, who was recently appointed Director of Housing for the City of Buffalo, to discuss how the state and city can work together to address Buffalo's housing needs.

WHEN: Thursday, March 19, 2009

WHAT:

11:30 a.m.- PRESS CONFERENCE, at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY. Press conference to open the first of a series of statewide regional meetings of housing industry professionals to address foreclosure issues. Officials and advocates will communicate important information regarding the assistance available to Homeowners at risk of foreclosure and sources for free, quality assistance.

2:00 p.m.-FORUM held by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, 665 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Commissioner VanAmerongen and Jim Logue of Great Lakes Capital Fund will address community and business leaders regarding the newly created Upstate Equity Fund, which is designed to encourage investment in affordable housing throughout upstate New York, with the goal of raising $30 million in its first year to finance at least 300-500 affordable housing units and reinvigorate communities.

WHO:

-Deborah VanAmerongen, Commissioner DHCR

-Kathleen Lynch, Supervising Attorney, Western New York Law Center

-Jean Berry, Housing Counselor/Program Director, HomeFront Inc. - The -Homeownership Center

-The Honorable Timothy Walker, NYS Supreme Court Justice

-Homeowners who have been assisted with foreclosure prevention

-Jim Logue, Chief Operating Officer of Great Lakes Capital Fund

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: State Representatives, Housing Counselors, Attorneys and Homeowners will be available to answer questions and provide photo opportunities.

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