Having these two well-respected organizations working together under one roof is expected to expand desperately needed housing counseling services, while providing affordable mortgage loans and empowerment programs to underserved families in the Mon Valley region, according to George Burroughs, chairperson of MVI's Board of Delegates.

For almost 30 years, Housing Opportunities Inc. has worked with low- and moderate-income individuals and families to help them achieve and maintain homeownership. They provide comprehensive housing counseling to first time homebuyers, as well as homeowners facing financial difficulties, including foreclosure.

HOI approached MVI about a possible consolidation of services because Board of Directors believed MVI, with its mission of “working together to restore the economic vitality of the Mon Valley," best matched HOI's values.

Since late 2003, staff and Board members have worked to bring MVI and HOI together. At special board meetings in February, the Board of Directors of both organizations voted to form an affiliation, with HOI becoming a subsidiary of MVI. When HOI’s current contractual obligations are fulfilled, it will become part of MVI and cease to exist as a separate entity.

HOI will continue to fulfill its mission of helping "low- and moderate-income individuals and families achieve and maintain affordable homeownership.” The affiliation is largely viewed as a win-win solution for both the region and the two non-profits. Four members of the former HOI Board will continue to serve on the reorganized HOI Board of Directors.

HOI will fulfill its contract as a National Housing Counseling Intermediary to distribute HUD funds to about 30 organizations in a multi-state area, as well as provide housing counseling service. MVI has already applied for the same designation in order to provide an uninterrupted flow of services during the transition from two groups to one.

“We’re very excited about the doors opened to us through this venture,” said MVI ’s CEO Laura Zinski . “HOI has resources that will help us provide substantial counseling services and loan products, with a particular focus on African-American homeownership in the region. That’s particularly important since the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group recently announced the results of a study which showed that in 2003, almost 40% of African-American mortgage applicants in Allegheny County were turned down,” she continued.

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During the 16 years since MVI began, we've worked hand-in-hand with individual Mon Valley community development corporations to renovate and create housing; to build, develop, and retain businesses; and to secure funding for downtown revitalization and beautification.

More recently, MVI has supported workforce development efforts and the capital needs of start-up and small manufacturing firms. Our emphasis on building grassroots support, along with advocating for change, has set the stage for MVI to play a major role in positioning the Mon Valley as an integral player in theregional economy.

Focusing on economic development in a regional context will mean that the organization will have a direct impact on the economic base of a distressed region that is home to 150,000 people.

Our future greatly depends on the generous support of individuals, foundation, corporations, and public funding sources.