MRPC News

Aug. 30, 2005
For immediate release
For more information, contact:
Chuck Cantrell (573) 265-2993 or Cathy Becklenberg (573) 265-4200

FREE HOMEOWNERSHIP BUDGETING WORKSHOP PLANNED SEPT. 12 IN ST. JAMES

ST. JAMES-The Meramec Regional Planning Commission, in cooperation with the Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation and the Phelps County PHA Family Self-Sufficiency Program, will host a free homeownership budgeting workshop Sept. 12 at the the MRPC office, 4 Industrial Drive in St. James.

The workshop, scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., will include a presentation on FDIC's Money Smart by Cathy Becklenberg, MRPC's Family Self-Sufficiency coordinator. Additionally, Chuck Cantrell, an MRPC community development specialist, will present information on MCEC Homeownership program.

Becklenberg will discuss how to choose and keep a checking account and your rights as a consumer.

Cantrell's presentation will discuss how to participate in MCEC's homeownership program. Through its program, MCEC purchases homes, renovates them to like-new condition complete with new appliances and sells them to first-time, income-eligible homebuyers. In doing so, MCEC also assists with down payment and closing costs. Two homes are currently available in Owensville.

The Sept. 12 class is offered at no cost, on a first-come, first-served basis. Preregistration is requested. To register, persons should contact Becklenberg by Sept. 7 at (573) 265-4200.

MRPC is an active, voluntary council of local governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps and Washington counties. The 47-member volunteer board made up of elected officials and appointed representatives, works to enhance the quality of life in the region. A professional staff assists member communities and counties in the areas of economic and community development, environmental planning, business loans, ordinance codification and housing. Since its formation some 35 years ago, MRPC has secured in excess of $40 million worth of grants to benefit specific cities and counties in the region. MRPC also provides administration of the Phelps County PHA, which offers rental assistance to very low-income families in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Washington counties, and Phelps County, outside the city of Rolla.
Persons needing more information may call (573) 265-2993 or 265-4200.

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