PHFA recognizes outstanding quality of work done by the state’s housing counselors

Counselors perform vital service by educating consumers about housing choices

HARRISBURG – November 7, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency today celebrated the work of the state’s housing counselors with an awards ceremony at the Hilton Harrisburg. The state’s private sector counseling agencies support the mission of PHFA by assisting state residents with questions about homeownership and home foreclosure.

“Our housing counselors perform a great public service by educating Pennsylvanians about their housing options,” said PHFA Executive Director and CEO Brian A. Hudson Sr.

“Some of their customers are renters trying to determine if they’re ready for homeownership. Others are homeowners in danger of foreclosure. All get one-on-one attention and critical information to help them make the best housing decisions for their particular situations. Today we honor the work done by these caring counselors.”

Housing counselors from across the state attended – more than 120 people were on hand representing 82 counseling agencies. The counselors in attendance were thanked by Hudson and by Pennsylvania Banking and Securities Secretary and PHFA Board Chairman Glenn E. Moyer for the assistance they provide to the state’s residents.

Also on hand was Congressman Chaka Fattah, who was presented the PHFA Award of Excellence for his support on affordable housing issues throughout his lengthy legislative career. U.S. Representative Fattah is widely recognized as one of the early creators and supporters of the Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP), which has since become a national model for foreclosure prevention.
Awards presented to individual counselors and counseling agencies exhibiting exemplary service to Pennsylvania residents included:

Best Housing Counseling Specialist Awards
 Michael Brown, Northwest Counseling Service, Philadelphia
 Beth Brown, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northeastern PA, Pittston
 Wanda Snyder, Pennsylvania Interfaith Community Programs, Gettysburg
 Savonna Reagan, Step, Williamsport
 Marcie Williams, Housing Opportunities of Beaver County, Beaver
PHFA honors housing counselors, Page 2
 Monica Westfall, St. Martin Center, Erie
Best Housing Counseling Agency Awards
 Genesis Housing Corporation, Norristown
 Commission on Economic Opportunity, Wilkes-Barre
 Pennsylvania Interfaith Community Programs, Gettysburg
 Step, Williamsport
 Housing Opportunities of Beaver County, Beaver
 St. Martin Center, Erie
Best Practices Award
 Advantage Credit Counseling Service, Pittsburgh
The following three counseling agencies were recognized for their exemplary performance helping homeowners in danger of foreclosure with assistance made possible through the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP):
Special Achievement Awards
 Advantage Credit Counseling Service, Pittsburgh
 Clarifi, Philadelphia
 Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northeastern PA, Pittston

About PHFA
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency works to provide affordable homeownership and rental apartment options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and people with special housing needs. Through its carefully managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, PHFA also promotes economic development across the state. Since its creation by the legislature in 1972, it has generated $10.7 billion of funding for more than 149,200 single-family home mortgage loans and 83,000 rental units, while saving the homes of more than 45,350 families from foreclosure. PHFA programs and operations are funded primarily by the sale of securities, not by public tax dollars. PHFA is governed by a 14-member board.

Contact:
Scott Elliott
717-780-3916 (office)
717-649-6522 (cell)