September 21, 2004

Robert E. Feldman
Executive Secretary
Attention: Comments/Legal ISS
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
550 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20429-9990

Re: RIN 3064-AC50:

Dear Mr. Feldman:

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed rule changing the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) regulations.

I have worked in the non profit world promoting and providing affordable housing for the past 18 years. While I have worked primarily in urban and suburban areas, the CRA mortgages available to our low and moderate income clients have been instrumental in facilitating home ownership for them. Having the option of a CRA mortgage allows many single mothers to have more choices as to where then can afford to live. It opens up doors that would ordinarily be closed and still keeps the mortgage down.

I am certain that these same principals apply to low and moderate income households who wish to purchase their first home in rural areas. I believe the changes being proposed would do nothing but undermine all communities, especially rural. Please do not adopt this rule.