BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy, along with Congressman James McGovern, today announced that Oak Hill Community Development Corporation of Worcester will receive $151,852 in federal funding to provide counseling to families and individuals facing the threat of foreclosure.

The Oak Hill Community Development Corporation works to build strong, healthy neighborhoods through homeownership.

"At a time when the American housing market continues to decline, the Oak Hill Community Development Corp. is bringing some peace of mind to those who need it most,” said Senator Kerry. “These new funds will allow the Oak Hill Community Development Corp. and dozens of other programs like it to provide financial counseling to thousands of Massachusetts homeowners who may be facing foreclosure or trying to buy a home for the first time."

“It’s unconscionable that so many families across Massachusetts are being forced out of their homes because of the foreclosure crisis,” said Senator Kennedy. “It’s essential that we do all we can to help families work out reasonable payment schedules and stay in their homes. This funding is a worthwhile step, but it is far from enough.”

“The housing crisis is real and growing, and the federal government must act to try help people stay in their homes,” Rep. McGovern said. “I’m particularly pleased that families in Fall River and Worcester will be helped with for foreclosure mitigation counseling. Helping families avoid foreclosure is smart public policy – it’s also the right thing to do.”

NeighborWorks America, a program created by Congress in 1978, is providing the funding to more than 700 counseling agencies nationwide. Programs in Massachusetts will receive more than $23 million.

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