Montgomery County Announces Housing Fair

The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) invites realtors, property managers, homeowner associations, housing developers, assisted living communities, businesses, banks, credit unions, government agencies, community organizations and nonprofits to be sponsors and exhibitors at the 13^th Annual Montgomery County Housing Fair and Financial Fitness Day.  The fair will take place on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, Summit Hall Farm, 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg.

Sponsors receive recognition for their organization depending on the level of sponsorship.  Some examples include special recognition in local newspapers and on local radio and TV shows; special mention in the housing fair program; and display of their logos on Ride On buses, street banners and posters distributed in both English and Spanish at schools, bus stops and other locations throughout the county.  The exhibit fee amount is tailored to the type of organization:  corporations, businesses and banks; realtors and credit unions; government and education groups; and 501(c)(3) nonprofits.  Exhibitors are encouraged to register before April 5 to receive a reduced rate.  Last year more than 90 sponsors and exhibitors participated and more than 1,200 people attended.

Again this year, the fair will offer on-site loan modifications from lenders, as well as free assistance by certified housing counselors and attorneys with experience in dealing with housing issues.  Residents who wonder if they qualify for state funds made available in a settlement that affects some Maryland homeowners will receive answers to their questions about eligibility.  Many useful resources will be available, including free credit reports and information on managing money, credit and utilities.

“We welcome anyone with housing needs – whether longtime or newly-arrived residents to the County,” said Myriam Torrico, DHCA administrator of Community Programs.  “The fair provides helpful and reliable information to many constituencies including those who rent or own their home, seniors exploring their housing options, young families deciding whether to rent or buy, persons interested in refinancing for the first time or those who might have been rejected by their lenders for mortgage relief.  Information on new federal and state programs offering foreclosure prevention assistance will be provided as well as information on what we are doing at the local level to help residents stay in their homes.”

The fair is organized by the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs in partnership with the Housing Fair Planning Committee, whose members include:  the cities of Gaithersburg, Rockville and Takoma Park; Asian American Homeownership Counseling; Housing and Community Initiatives, Inc.; Housing Initiative Partnership, Inc.; Housing Opportunities Commission; Latino Economic Development Corporation; Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development; Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services; Montgomery County Department of Recreation; Montgomery County Office of Human Rights; and the office of U.S. Congressman Chris Van Hollen.

To become a sponsor or exhibitor, contact Myriam Torrico at 240-777-3627 or email myriam.torrico@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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