Youngstown Resource Fair Opens Doors to Homeownership
Mahoning County residents who dream of owning a home are invited to attend a Homeownership Resource Fair on Dec. 10. Participants will have the chance to work with local agencies and banks to make their dream a reality.
The event is led by Community Legal Aid in conjunction with the Mahoning County Financial Stability Partnership.
“Everyone benefits when residents have access to safe, affordable housing,” shared Steven McGaritty, executive director of Legal Aid. “Families have increased stability, and the community prospers because it’s members are invested in the well-being of their neighborhoods.”
Legal Aid attorney Michelle Wrona-Fox has been tasked with organizing the event.
“We encourage anyone who would like to own their own home to attend,” Wrona-Fox said. “Our desire is to help them recognize where they are in this process and equip them with the information and resources that will help them move closer to their goal.”
Wrona-Fox added that Legal Aid advocates will be onsite to help attendees understand contracts and the legal process of homeownership.
“We want to protect individuals from schemes that promise homeownership but don’t deliver,” she explained. “Hard-working families can fall victim to predatory lending and bad rent-to-own contracts when they don’t believe they can qualify for homeownership through traditional means.”
Vendors will share information on budgeting, credit counseling, home buyers programs, down payment assistance programs, and other resources that prepare people for purchasing a home. Participating agencies include: Apprisen, Youngstown Promise Neighborhood, United Way, the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, Catholic Charities, Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation, Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority, Community Resource Coalition, Mahoning and Columbiana Training Association, Home Savings Bank, Chemical Bank, PNC Bank and First National Bank.
The Homeownership Resource Fair will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Wilson School, located at 2725 Gibson Street in Youngstown. If Youngstown City Schools are closed that day due to inclement weather, this event will be rescheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the same time and location. Anyone who desires more information about the event can contact Legal Aid at (330) 362-8350.
Sidebar:
Homeownership Resource Fair
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Wilson Elementary School
2725 Gibson Street, Youngstown
Inclement weather date: Dec. 17 (same time/location)
More information: (330) 362-8350
