City of Garland Press Release:

City of Garland to Host
Home Buyer and Sustaining Home Ownership Classes

Garland, Texas – In recognition of Fair Housing Month (April) and CDBG Week (April 12-18), the City of Garland, along with The Lending Partners, will sponsor a Home Buyer Education Class and Sustaining Home Ownership Workshop on Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will be held at the City of Garland Unified Learning Center (COG-ULC), which is located at 232 Carver Drive in east Garland.
 
Interested homebuyers and persons who want to get ready for homeownership will have the opportunity to learn about the home purchase process and hear from loan professionals regarding this timely and important topic. Information about City programs and services, along with mortgage and real estate services, will be available in a Resource Room.
 
"In light of recent news about homeownership, we want to make sure prospective homebuyers are fully aware of the responsibilities of homeownership and learn about City and community programs that can benefit prospective homebuyers," said Priscilla Wilson, Senior Managing Director of Human Resources.
 
The event is sponsored by the City of Garland, with speakers from The Lending Partners. "The event is a collaboration between various entities to connect members of the community with resources, services and various City programs," said Jose Alvarado, Fair Housing Manager for the City of Garland.
 
The event will provide residents an opportunity to hear from experienced speakers on topics such as: Home selection; budgeting for homeownership; financing process; role of the lender and realtor; property taxes; homeowners insurance; role of the title company; and strategies to sustain homeownership and avoid foreclosure. Lenders and realtors will also be available to speak to class participants individually.
 
April 2009 is designated as Fair Housing Month, and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Week is April 12-18, 2009. The CDBG provides resources for a wide variety of community development activities that principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons, including the elderly and children.
 
Locally, the Garland Fair Housing Ordinance makes it illegal to discriminate against a person, in the sale and rental of housing, based on race, color, sex, religion, handicap, familial status, age or national origin. It is the policy of the City of Garland, through fair, orderly and lawful procedures, to promote the opportunity for each person to obtain housing without discrimination of any of the protected classes.
 
Sponsors and Partners include: Garland Fair Housing Office; Garland Housing Agency; Garland Neighborhood Services; Garland Planning Department – Grants Management; Garland Human Resources Department; and The Lending Partners.
 
For more information, please call the Garland Fair Housing Office at 972-205-3300.