Aging Services Education Services Employment and Training Services Housing & Economic Development Parent Center Program Membership Urban Environmental WALL (Water, Air, Land and Legislation)

HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Jacquelyne Hall, Director 3501 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20010 (202) 265-8200 5012 Rhode Island Avenue Suite 103 Hyattsville, MD 20781 (301) 985-3519 Overview The League has long been involved in housing, community development and banking issues as an advocate for public policies, and as a partner in a number of housing and commercial development projects. During the course of the prior year, the League continued to explore its future role in housing, banking and economic development. Discussions are being held with the leadership of many organizations which have long engaged in development projects. The consensus that emerged was that the League's long-established record of community service and networking capability are valuable assets that should be put to use in the development area. TRYING TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME? The Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) seeks to help District of Columbia residents make first-time home purchases. The program, administered by the League, provides down payment and closing costs assistance in the form of settlement loans to very low, low and moderate-income first-time homebuyers for the purchase of single family homes, condominiums and cooperative apartments. To find out more information or to apply for HPAP, contact one of the following community-based organizations: Housing Counseling Service, 2430 Ontario Road, NW, 667-5331; University Legal Services, 300 I Street, NE, 547-4747; Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, 3939 Benning Road, NE, 396-1200 or 396-3832; or University Legal Services, 3101 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, 645-7088. The community-based organizations accept HPAP applications and counsel applicants about the program. Applications are then forwarded to the League for processing. For general information, contact the League's HPAP Division at 202-265-8200. Prince George's County Office In November 1997, the League officially opened an office in Hyattsville, MD to better serve suburban Maryland constituents. Designated as a homeownership center for first-time homebuyers, the office counsels persons who need guidance as they seek to attain and maintain homeownership. Homebuyer Counseling Workshops Funded by NATIONSBANK, N.A., these free workshops are open to the public and provide basic information for those contemplating home purchase. They are routinely scheduled to address such questions as where to look, what to expect, and how to know if one is ready for homeownership. Topics include: What does a real estate agent do? How do I know if I can afford to own a house? How can I tell if a house is worth the money? How much does it really cost to buy a home? Follow-up counseling sessions are available. Individuals complete a two-hour course and receive a completion certificate. A similar program is funded by First Union Bank. Mortgage Disparities Study A study of 1990-92 single family mortgage activity by 14 financial institutions in the District of Columbia, compares the differences in mortgage lending between racial groups, and in minority areas of the city. The program also includes staff support for the D.C. Reinvestment Alliance, a coalition of groups which monitors Community Reinvestment Act activities by financial institutions. The League also oversees membership on various bank monitoring committees. This project was completed in early 1995. Real Estate Apprenticeship Program REAP is an 18-week introductory training program designed to assist African Americans in entering the field of commercial real estate and shopping center management. Twenty-five students are selected to participate each class year. Classes are held one evening a week. At successful completion of the course, the top five REAP graduates are offered a one-year salaried internship as assistant property managers with participating real estate companies. The program is sponsored by the GWUL, the American Jewish Committee (Washington Chapter) and Giant Food, Inc. REAP is receiving major funding from the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors. Participating real estate companies include B.F. Saul, Carl Freeman, Horning Brothers, Lerner Companies, Lowe Enterprises Mid-Atlantic and Trammel Crow. For more information, call Cheryl DeBerry or Merilyn Minors at 202-265-8200, Ext. 243 or 263.