Compiled and published by the Council's

Working Group on Housing

1999

Introduction

The Mon Valley Providers Council is an alliance of human service providers throughout the Mon Valley working together to fill gaps in services for residents. Thanks to a grant from Mellon Bank in 1996, the Working Group on Housing produced and began distribution of a Guide to Better Living. Geared toward assisting persons in search of rental housing, the guide provided information on securing good housing, understanding the lease, protecting one’s housing rights, and maintaining responsibilities as a tenant. One year later, the Working Group initiated discussions about the process of home ownership and its complications.

Thanks again to funding from Mellon Bank, the Council has produced this Housing Resource Guide: Guide to Home Ownership. We have attempted to compile a comprehensive overview of the home buying process while addressing the trials and tribulations one may encounter. This guide contains a number of useful worksheets, a glossary of terms and a list of available resources. We have intentionally supplied generic information in an effort to avoid information which may be time-sensitive.  An evaluation for your feedback is located on the inside of the back cover along with a promotional offer from Mellon Bank.

This guide is made available to residents of the Mon Valley of Allegheny County by the Council's paid member agencies. The Council conducts an Annual Housing Exposition the first Saturday of May to link people with home ownership opportunities. Please call us for information, as we welcome your participation.

We would like to acknowledge the extraordinary work of Melissa Blaszczyk, who provided the drafting of the guide, ensured all revisions and staffed the process for final publication. Furthermore, we thank Lori Shapiro, who compiled the initial information for the guide, staffed the early development process and wrote the successful request for funding.

Finally, no project can be successful without the commitment and investment of the members of the Council, and in this case, the active members of the Working Group on Housing. Listed on the inside cover are the members whose diligent efforts brought this guide to fruition. Best wishes in your quest for the American dream - home ownership.

David Coplan, Project Director

On Behalf of the Members of the Working Group on Housing

This guide was made possible thanks to the contributions of the following people during its compilation and publication between September 1997 and December 1998:

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