IN THE NEWS

Himes to visit Pequot Library Saturday

March 13, 2009; As originally appeared in The Connecticut Post

FAIRFIELD ---- The subject will be home foreclosures when U.S. Rep Jim Himes visits the Pequot Library on Saturday.

Pequot librarian Dan Snydacker announced that Himes will be at the Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Ave, in the town's Southport section, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Himes will be joined by a panel of government officials, community organizations, and foreclosure prevention specialists to connect homeowners facing foreclosure with programs and services that can help keep families in their homes.

The session will include advice on how to take advantage of the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act. The bill, passed last week, includes incentives to encourage lenders to negotiate affordable mortgages for homeowners who are underwater, at risk of foreclosure, and those nearing bankruptcy.

Following the session, local experts and organizations will be available for one-on-one questions from individual participants.

Participants will include:

First Selectman Ken Flatto

State Rep. Kim Fawcett, D-133

State Rep. Tony Hwang, R-134

Samone Wright, Program Specialist, The Workplace, Inc.

Rose Holebrook, Marketing &; Customer Service Coordinator, Connecticut Housing Finance Authority

Joan Carty, President &; CEO, Housing Development Funds

Carol Sydnor, Director of Homeownership Programs, Mutual Housing Association of Southwestern Connecticut

Valarie Shultz-Wilson, President &; CEO, Urban League of Southern Connecticut