Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation

From: Bette Woinowsky [mailto:BetteW@IHFA.ORG]
Sent: Friday, October 15, 2004 5:00 PM
To: Comments
Cc: 'cra@nahro.org'
Subject: RIN 3064-AC50

The Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) is very important to the households that I serve. I work with low to moderate income households that use the programs available under this act. As a Family Self-Sufficiency Specialist I help families reach their goals of financial fitness. I assist them with educational/employment goals and financial planning. They desire to be free from state and federal subsidized programs such as housing and welfare. Several families are able to move from rental assistance to homeownership because they use the grant programs offered by smaller banks as a result of the Community Reinvestment Act.

In addition, I am a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of North Idaho that helps families in our area achieve homeownership goals. We serve families with low income that are not able to qualify for Rural Development or conventional loans. These families use the grant program to help with closing costs.

The services these banks, particularity First Bank Northwest, Wells Fargo, and US Bank have helped both program. Raising the asset threshold may affect the valuable service provided to a lower income population and therefore, hinder homeownership which is the American Dream.

Bette Woinowsky
Nahro Member
"The Idaho Housing and Finance Association provides funding for affordable housing in Idaho communities. IHFA is not a state agency under state law, and uses no state funds or state employees to support its operations."