U.S. Rep Carney hosts affordable housing roundtable with DSHA, FHLBank of Pittsburgh

Press Release

U.S. Representative John Carney met with members of Delaware's housing community on Friday morning in a roundtable discussion to discuss opportunities for improving affordable housing in Delaware. The meeting was held at the Milford Housing Development Corporation's Marshall Manor Housing Complex and was co-hosted by the Delaware State Housing Authority and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.

"Every Delawarean should have a safe place to call home, and it will take partnerships among private businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to help address the challenges in affordable housing," said Congressman Carney. "Housing needs should be a top priority for the nation. It's important for economic growth and the health of our communities that individuals and families can once again find stable, affordable housing options."

Among the topics discussed were resources to stabilize neighborhoods and assist those facing foreclosure through no fault of their own, affordable rental options for low-income residents, and the continuing role of the Federal Home Loan Bank system in supporting housing finance.

Delaware State Housing Authority Director Anas Ben Addi commented, "The serious challenges facing affordable housing are not unique to Delaware, but our state has a decided advantage thanks to the strong advocates we have in our federal delegation. I would like to especially thank Congressman Carney for his efforts to help bring millions of dollars to Delaware in support of affordable housing and foreclosure prevention and for inviting this group of key stakeholders here today to discuss ways we can further work together to improve affordable housing opportunities. "

"FHLBank Pittsburgh thanks Congressman Carney for his continuous interest in affordable housing and in the mission of our Bank," said Dave Buches, manager of Community Investment for the private financial institutions cooperative. "We certainly share his desire to see funding for affordable rental and permanent housing remain available through Delaware's banks, thrifts, credit unions and insurance companies. We will continue to work with our partners across the state to build stronger, sustainable neighborhoods through grants, low-cost loans, training programs and community workshops," Buches said.

Participants in Friday's roundtable discussion included:

* Lynda Messick, Delaware Community Bank
* Ken Smith, Delaware Housing Coalition
* Anas Ben Addi, Delaware State Housing Authority
* Matthew Heckles, Delaware State Housing Authority
* Michael Bourgeois, FHLBank Pittsburgh
* David Buches, FHLBank Pittsburgh
* Peter Knight, FHLBank Pittsburgh
* Bernice Edwards, First State Community Action Agency, Inc.
* Glenn Brooks, Leon N. Weiner & Associates
* Phil McGinnis, McGinnis Commercial Real Estate Co.
* David Moore, Milford Housing Development Corporation
* Karen Speakman, NCALL Research

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