The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) is looking for local housing providers, businesses, government agencies and community organizations interested in becoming a sponsor or an exhibitor for its seventh annual Housing Fair. The event will be held on Saturday, September 15 from 10 a.m. to
3 p.m. at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, Summit Hall Farm, 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg.

This year’s fair will focus on housing issues and financial fitness. Additionally, the fair will offer workshops and educational materials on: buying, renting and keeping a home; managing money and credit; increasing earning power through education; and home safety, utility assistance and conservation. Participants will be able to work with a credit counselor to obtain and analyze a free copy of their credit report.

Workshops in English and Spanish are being planned, as well as a general vendor area for exhibitors. Attendees can receive one-on-one assistance from vendors, and translation services will be available for non-English speaking attendees.

Food and entertainment will also be included and hourly raffles will give fairgoers an opportunity to receive $500 toward their rent or mortgage.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for businesses and organizations to reach people who are in the market for housing in Montgomery County,” said Myriam Torrico, administrator of Hispanic Affairs in DHCA. “We are expecting a large turnout this year, because housing prices have come down and more people are considering home ownership.”

Businesses, government agencies and community organizations interested in being a sponsor or an exhibitor should contact Myriam Torrico at 240-777-3627, or email myriam.torrico@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The fair is organized by the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs in partnership with the Housing Fair Planning Committee, whose members include: the cities of Gaithersburg, Rockville and Takoma Park; Montgomery County Financial Literacy Coalition; The Dwelling Place, Housing and Community Initiatives, Inc.; the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; the Mid-County and Up-County Regional Services Centers; and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services.