BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy, along with Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, today announced that Coalition for a Better Acre of Lowell will receive $25,871 in federal funding to provide counseling to families and individuals facing the threat of foreclosure.

Coalition for a Better Acre works to build strong, healthy neighborhoods through homeownership.

"At a time when the American housing market continues to decline, Coalition for a Better Acre is bringing some peace of mind to those who need it most,” said Senator Kerry. “These new funds will allow Coalition for a Better Acre, 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.”

"Coalition for a Better Acre does so much every day to improve access to affordable housing, better the lives of Lowell residents, and build a stronger community," said Congresswoman Tsongas. "I am so pleased that they have received this federal funding to provide assistance and counseling to homeowners during this foreclosure crisis. Coalition for a Better Acre is also partnering with my office for an upcoming Foreclosure Prevention Workshop planned for March 29 in Lowell, which will help homeowners identify the resources that can help them avoid foreclosure."

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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