City and 31st Ward Alderman to host Housing Resource Fair

The Department of Community Development and Alderman Ray Suarez (31st) will host the Northwest Neighborhood Housing Resource Fair on Saturday, April 17, 2010.

The free event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Falconer School, 3020 N. Lamon Ave. (Enter on Nelson Street)

“During the current economic downturn, we want to make sure that residents are aware of all the resources that they can turn to for help with their housing needs,” Department of Community Development First Deputy Commissioner Ellen Sahli said. “This housing fair will showcase a wide-range of housing programs and resources available to residents.”

The event will be a one-stop shop where people with housing needs can get information about available resources. More than 30 exhibitors will be available to provide information about affordable housing, foreclosure prevention and renter’s rights.

“The need for accurate information about housing issues has never been greater,” said Suarez, Chairman of the City Council’s Housing and Real Estate Committee. “This is an excellent opportunity to explore your options for buying a home and to provide some assistance to families facing foreclosure.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with representatives from government and community agencies, real estate agents, housing developers and mortgage lenders. Services will also available to homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments and risk foreclosure.

First-time homebuyers will learn about the homebuying process and all the programs available to help them buy their first home. 

Current homeowners will have access to home improvement resources and representatives from the City’s property tax relief program will be on hand to make sure Chicagoans receive all the property tax relief they’re entitled to.

The City supports homeownership opportunities with programs that offer affordably priced new construction single family homes and condominiums as well as a number of financing and purchase price assistance programs for first time homebuyers.

The City’s ongoing foreclosure prevention efforts include the Home Ownership Preservation Initiative (HOPI). Under HOPI, anyone having trouble paying their mortgage can find a financial counselor simply calling 311. The counseling agencies in turn work with area lenders to work out payment schedules that may avert foreclosure.

For more information about Department of Community Development programs call 311 or visiting the Department’s website at www.cityofchicago.org/dcd.

Housing Resource Fair Flier