BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy, along with Congressman William Delahunt, today announced that Neighborhood Housing Services of the South Shore of Quincy will receive $152,852 in federal funding to provide counseling to families and individuals facing the threat of foreclosure.

Neighborhood Housing Services of the South Shore works to build strong, healthy neighborhoods through homeownership.

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

“This year has been another extremely challenging one for American families struggling with the high cost of energy, health care and housing.” Delahunt said. “I commend both Neighbor Works America and the housing and human service advocates who are on the front lines of this crisis for the incredible work they are performing on behalf of prospective homeowners and working families facing the loss of their homes.”

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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