Bank Donates $32K forHomeownership Education Services

NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire has received a $32,500 contribution from Meredith Village Savings Bank in support of homeownership educational and coaching services.

The gift helps fund free seminars and services of HOMEteam, a collaboration between NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire, Laconia Area Community Land Trust, and CATCH Neighborhood Housing.

New Hampshire residents use the information and tools provided by HOMEteam to make good financial decisions related to budgeting for, purchasing and maintaining a home, according to a press statement. Through a series of free workshops, one-on-one counseling and other resources, first-time homebuyers learn to navigate the home buying process, manage home finances and prepare themselves to preserve and protect their investment.

“We are very excited to work with our partners at Meredith Village Savings Bank,” said Paul McLaughlin, HomeOwnership Program Manager for NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire. “The Bank’s staff is committed, passionate and knowledgeable. We appreciate their generosity in helping to ensure the availability of free homeownership education services in the state.”

“Buying a home can be a complicated process, involving many players - so being educated about each step in the process and assembling a team of experts and resources you trust can help you make well-informed decisions along the way,” said Carol Bickford, SVP Retail Lending Officer for Meredith Village Savings Bank and Merrimack County Savings Bank. “The HOMEteam’s classes and counseling services are an excellent resource for consumers at all stages of the home buying process, and we are proud to join them in their efforts to provide expanded homebuyer education programs across New Hampshire.”

For more information about their full menu of course and counseling offerings, please visit www.nwsnh.org, hometeamnh.org or call 866.701.9097.

Caption: Paul McLaughlin, HomeOwnership Program Manager, NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire; Carol Bickford, SVP, Retail Lending Officer, New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp; and Denise Hubbard, Mortgage Loan Program Specialist, Meredith Village Savings Bank,