U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, Announces $45k for Housing Counseling in Berkshire County

03:51PM / Thursday, October 22, 2009

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Congressman John W. Olver (D-1st District), (File Photo)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John W. Olver (D-1st District) announced that the Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority’s Housing Services and Mediation Program (HSMP) has received a $45,000 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Counseling grant.

The Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority’s Housing Services & Mediation Program (HSMP) administers a wide array of programs and services to promote housing stability. These programs and services include, comprehensive housing counseling; loss mitigation counseling; alternative dispute resolution programs (i.e., mediation, conciliation and negotiation programs); homelessness prevention and resolution services; and anti-poverty programming.

Congressman John Olver said, “In these difficult economic times, the Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority’s work is more important than ever. Over 1,200 Berkshire County households benefit from the Authority’s programs each year. I am very pleased that HUD has recognized how important these programs are to our community.”

Brad Gordon, Executive Director of the Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority, said, “BCRHA appreciates Representative Olver ongoing support of these critically important programs and services. The HUD grant is a key resource for the community that will ensure continued assistance to at-risk Berkshire County households facing a variety of housing related challenges. The opportunity to provide comprehensive housing counseling during the current economic downturn is especially significant.”

HUD Housing Counseling grants support the delivery of a wide variety of housing counseling services to homebuyers, homeowners, low-to moderate-income renters, and the homeless. The primary objectives of the grant program are to improve financial literacy, expand homeownership opportunities, improve access to affordable housing and preserve homeownership.