Free Homeownership Budgeting
Workshops Planned
in Dent and Phelps counties
ST. JAMES-The Meramec Regional Planning Commission, in cooperation with the
Phelps County PHA Family Self-Sufficiency Program, will host three free homeownership
budgeting workshops in March in Dent and Phelps counties as follows:
-- March 14th --
MRPC, 4 Industrial Drive, St. James, MO
Registration Deadline: March 11
--March 22nd --
Bank of Salem Courtesy Room, 100 W. Fourth St., Salem, MO
Registration Deadline: March 18
--March 29th --
Rolla Public Library Downstairs Meeting Room, 900 Pine Street, Rolla, MO
Registration Deadline: March 25
The workshops, scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., will include a presentation
on credit issues regarding the purchasing of a first home by Charity Satterfield,
MRPC's Family Self-Sufficiency coordinator, and information on lead-based paint
hazards in the home and MCEC's homeownership program, presented by Chuck Cantrell,
an MRPC community development specialist.
Satterfield's presentation will include information on how to obtain a copy
of your credit report as well as how to maintain or repair your credit rating.
She will also be available to answer any questions on HUD's Family Self-Sufficiency
program, which is offered through the HUD Section 8 Rental Assistance Program.
Cantrell's presentation will include information on lead-based paint hazards
that are found in some homes and what can be done about them. He will also discuss
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 classes are all offered at no cost, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Preregistration is requested. To register, persons should contact Satterfield
by the deadlines mentioned above at (573) 265-4200, ext. 31.
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, child care 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.