SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF. – A housing and economic summit focused on finding solutions to the Inland Empire’s troubles, including record unemployment and ongoing home foreclosures will convene Tuesday, Oct. 5.  Community stakeholders from the public and private sector will gather at the Castaway Restaurant in San Bernardino to discuss possible solutions, and to chart a course of action that will help move the Inland Empire beyond the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.  Noted research economist Dr. John Husing will lead the discussion, providing insight into his study over the last 45 years of the nature and growth of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.

“We’re looking forward to a robust dialogue that will include decision makers from various industries across the region,” said Thomas Coates, program director for the Housing Opportunities Collaborative of the Inland Empire (HOC-IE.).  “We understand that the region is facing record unemployment, and that job growth needs to be a part of the discussion,” said Coates.

The event is being sponsored by NID-Housing Counseling Agency in partnership with HOC-IE and its stakeholders, a collaboration of federally certified housing counseling agencies, lenders and other community based organizations.  Confirmed participants include leaders from education, state and local government, banking, the nonprofit sector and the faith-based community.

“We believe this is a step in the right direction,” said Linda Jackson, branch office manager of NID-Housing Counseling Agency based in San Bernardino and a member of the HOC-IE.  “Working together across business sectors, we believe we can make a difference that will restore economic stability to the region.”

Summit participants will engage in a facilitated discussion based upon a written assignment presented prior to the event. Through this process, the organizers hope to glean additional insights and real solutions from subject matter experts.  Findings and a call to action will be presented at a later date.

About NID-Housing Counseling Agency

NID-HCA was founded by Ray Carlisle as a conduit to empower local communities nationwide in the understanding of rights and obligations in all matters effecting housing. The foremost creation of the NID-HCA was to provide financial literacy and economic empowerment to inner city communities. NID-HCA has been a HUD approved housing counseling agency since 1995. Since 1995 NID-HCA has expanded to over 13 states and has counseled over 15,000 persons/entities nationwide. NID-HCA is an independent 501 (c)(3) organization under the IRS code.

About the Housing Opportunities Collaborative of the Inland Empire

The Housing Opportunities Collaborative of the Inland Empire (HOC-IE) is comprised of organizations working together sharing best practices and resources to deliver comprehensive support to individuals and families in their quest for sustainable homeownership. The HOC-IE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  For more information, visit the organization’s website at www.hocie.org or call 951.742.8211.

Media Contacts: Linda Jackson coral.cambero@lmjonline.net (909) 887-8700

Thomas Coates: thomas.coates@hocie.org (951)742-8211