HEMAP Restart is Excellent News for Families, Neighborhoods and Communities

Pennsylvania’s Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) is once again accepting applications now that the state has received its portion of the national settlement with mortgage servicers.

The governor announced on August 9 that Pennsylvania was in receipt of the $66.5 million of direct payment due as a part of the $25 billion settlement with the nation’s largest mortgage service providers. The federal-state settlement with five of the largest mortgage services in the United States is intended to address concerns about abuses in mortgage foreclosure and loan servicing.

The HEMAP program has helped thousands of Pennsylvania families in danger of foreclosure stay in their homes. Funds generated by the national settlement ensures that HEMAP will continue to serve Pennsylvania for years to come.

More information can be obtained about HEMAP through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). PHFA can be reached by calling 1-800-342-2397 or online at www.phfa.org.

Take the voter ID test

Don’t let the partisan, convoluted voter ID law take away your right to the ballot box on November 6th! We can help you verify whether or not you have an approved ID. Take our quiz below!

Do you have any of the following types of photo identification issued by the state?

• Pennsylvania driver’s license
• Valid without photo driver’s license*
• Non-driver PennDOT ID

Costa Crickets…
What’s all the chirping about?

Recycle Your Old Refrigerator, Get $35

Old and out-dated refrigerators waste electricity and drive up your energy bill, but now you can recycle that old fridge for cash.

If you are a Duquesne Light customer and are shopping for a new refrigerator, there is a program available that can help you defray the cost of that new appliance.

Duquesne Light’s “Watt Choices” program will pick up and recycle your old refrigerator, earning you $35 simply for recycling your out-dated appliance. To schedule a pickup or learn more, visit WattChoices.com or call 1-877-270-3521.

Farm Stands Provide Fresh Produce

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank has established farm stands again this summer in the area. The farms stands are open one day a week into the fall and are a great way to discover the joy of providing fresh produce for your family.

Buying your produce at these farm stands not only benefits the community, but it also helps support local farmers.

I encourage you to visit the farm stand nearest you.

Hazelwood Farm Stand
Benefits the Hazelwood YMCA
4915 Second Avenue in the Dairy Mart parking lot
Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until November 15

Homestead Farm Stand
Benefits Rainbow Kitchen
345 East Eight Avenue in the Citizen's Bank parking lot
Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until September 26

The farm stands accept cash, credit card, WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) payments. For more information, and for a list of other farm stands in the region, call 412-460-3663, x216.

MVI to Host Workshop for Home Buyers

The Mon Valley Initiative, located in Homestead, continues its work to unite the area’s communities and improve the economy of the Mon Valley.

The organization is hosting a free home ownership workshop on September 8th at the Rankin Christian Center, 230 Third Avenue, in Rankin from 9 am to 4 pm.

Anyone interested in buying a home, or who has questions about the home buying process, is encouraged to attend. MVI's certified housing counselor will host the workshop.

Parking is free, a light breakfast and lunch are provided, but seating is limited. Contact Mike Mauer at 412-464-4000 ext. 4008 to register.

You can also view and download a flyer with more information about the workshop by visiting the MVI website and clicking on “Upcoming Events”.

Stay Connected

For updates on this and other legislative initiatives, stay in touch with me on the Internet through my website or on Facebook.