BOSTON – Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy, along with Congressman Richard Neal, today announced that Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services will receive $161,798 in federal funding to provide counseling to families and individuals facing the threat of foreclosure.

Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services works to build strong, healthy neighborhoods through homeownership.

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

“Last year, home foreclosures in Massachusetts were at the highest levels in recent memory. And many housing analysts predict 2008 could be much worse. I strongly believe that resources should be made available to homeowners in western Massachusetts to prevent further foreclosures. This federal assistance to the Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services is a good start,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal.

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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