hoMEworks Celebrates 10 Years

To commemorate hoMEworks’ 10th anniversary, 28 exhibitors hosted booths and presentations at a Homebuyer Fair in the Lewiston Armory. HoMEworks is housed at the Maine State Housing Authority, and its mission is to provide comprehensive homeownership education through its network of nonprofit industry professionals throughout Maine. Funding for the educators comes primarily from HUD through its network of HUD approved housing counseling agencies.

From l to r: Jill Lorom--CEI, Jackie Wiegleb--CCCS, Debbie King-Johnson--MaineHousing, Gary Lagrange--Western Maine CAP, Jennifer Gordon--YCCAC, John Jenkins--Northeast Bank (and Mayor of Auburn), Linda Lajoie--CCI, Maya Hallett--MaineHousing, Sharon Brobst--TD Banknorth, Mary Davis--City of Portland, Diane Sherman--McAllister Real Estate and Vickey Doughty--PROP

From l to r: Austin Bear (son), Debora Berry—Rural Development, Rural Rover (Andrew Bear)—Rural Development and Bobbi Arnold – Rural Development.

Over the past ten years more than 12,500 potential Maine homebuyers have successfully completed hoMEworks classes, learning about the homebuying process and the responsibilities of owning a home. Many have gone on to purchase homes through Maine State Housing Authority and USDA’s Rural Development lending programs.

The Lewiston homebuyer event drew exhibitors from across all segments of the homebuying industry: hoMEworks educators, lenders, home inspection companies and federal, state and local housing providers and lenders. Home Depot gave product presentations, which were complemented by exhibitor presentations on personal finance, energy efficiency and air quality.