Media Release

The City of Alachua, in partnership with Alachua County Department of Growth Management’s Housing Programs Office, Neighborhood Housing Development Corporation, (NHDC) and U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development, will be hosting its First Annual Alachua Housing Expo. The Expo takes place at the Alachua Recreation Center Gym on Saturday, April 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All residents of the City of Alachua are invited, and the event is free of charge.

Speakers will explain the process for realizing the American Dream, homeownership. Local builders, lenders, and realtors will attend to provide the information needed for residents to become successful homeowners. In addition, representatives from the sponsoring agencies will attend. They will explain their respective programs and services such as homebuyer counseling, down payment and closing cost assistance, and affordable loan products, all of which can assist homebuyers down the path to homeownership.

“We are excited to be a part of this event, and congratulate the City of Alachua for taking the lead as the host city,” commented Tom Webster, Housing Programs Manager. Alachua County’s Housing Program’s office will attend to explain how to participate in the Down Payment Assistance Program funded by the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program and obtain homebuyer counseling and training.

Neighborhood Housing and Development Corporation, a co-sponsor, will also be on hand to lend its expertise in the home buying process and to explain their services. “NHDC is happy to be a part of this process in Alachua to assist residents seeking attainable housing solutions,” commented Jim Bramble, Housing Counselor at NHDC.

Rural Development-USDA has a mission and a unique responsibility of coordinating Federal assistance to rural areas and communities of our nation. Rural Development housing programs work to improve the quality of life in our rural communities by providing access to safe, well-built, affordable homes, recognizing that home ownership builds economic stability, and over the long term creates equity to finance education, business startups and retirement. “The Agency is pleased to participate in this First Annual Alachua Housing Expo," noted Lisa J. Krug, Rural Development Manager.

For more information, please contact Neighborhood Housing & Development Corporation at (352) 380-9119.