FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2001

CONTACT, Katie O'Rourke
804-343-5520
katie.orourke@vhda.com

Virginia Housing Conference Explores Critical Relationship Between Housing and Employment

"Homes....Where Jobs Spend the Night"

Williamsburg, VA - Predatory Lending: Can We Protect the Victims?; …Creative Solutions to Affordable Rural Housing; and, Innovative Uses of Funds to Address Homelessness, these are some of the sessions slated to be held at the Virginia Housing Conference this year in Williamsburg, Virginia.

This year's theme, Homes…Where Jobs Spend the Night, reflects how critical housing issues affect the economic health and welfare of our citizens and communities. For instance, the relationship between affordable housing and citizens with jobs can sometimes make the difference between spending the night at home or being homeless.

At the 2001 Virginia Housing Conference, the sessions have been designed so attendees have the chance to create solutions to some of these housing and economic development related issues facing Virginia today.

"This year's conference provides a tremendous opportunity for us to partner with those in the housing industry to learn how we can combine our talents and resources," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal.

"We must work together to provide solutions that will offer innovative options for our citizens in need of affordable housing. We have a chance to strengthen partnerships between the housing and economic development industry to make it possible for those who have jobs to also explore the opportunity to obtain affordable housing. Otherwise, a job without a place to live, or a place to live without a job is only half of what most of us consider a rewarding life," said DuVal.

The Conference will include plenary speakers who are expected to address these and other issues during the event. Among the speakers will be President and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Raymond Christman; Vice President of Corporate Real Estate of Capital One William L. Yontz; and President and CEO of the National Congress for Community Economic Development Roy O. Priest.

"We are honored to have speakers of such prominence who are committed to solving the critical housing issues facing our communities today," said Department of Housing and Community Development Director William C. Shelton. "We have much to learn from these champions of the housing industry."

Conference partners include the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Virginia Housing and Development Authority, the Virginia Housing Study Commission, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office and other industry providers.

The Conference will be held September 12-14, 2001, at the Williamsburg Marriott. Williamsburg, Virginia. For further information, visit www.dhcd.state.va.us or call 804-371-7171.