MANCHESTER, N.H.-NCUA leadership encouraged credit unions lastweek to consider programs similar to the $35 million pledge by NewHampshire credit unions to fund special affordable housingprograms. During a press conference at America's Credit UnionMuseum, NCUA Board Member Deborah Matz said that the New Hampshireinitiative should serve as a model everywhere. “What's good forthis state would be good for the nation,” Matz said. “If 32 creditunions in New Hampshire can pledge $35 million to affordablehousing, imagine what 10,000 credit unions can do across America.”The pledge grew out of a workshop held Nov. 14 of last year. Theworkshop, which spawned Matz' Partnering and Leadership Successesinitiative, was aimed at providing networking opportunities forcredit unions and the local NeighborWorks organizations. NCUAChairman Dennis Dollar added in a statement, “The commitmentdemonstrated by the New Hampshire credit unions is a solid exampleof a partnership that helps folks help themselves in attaining theAmerican Dream of homeownership.The access to affordable financialservices through this New Hampshire partnership can create afinancial self-sufficiency opportunity for many families in thatregion and further strengthen the financial position of creditunions that choose to participate in such initiatives.” PALS is anoutgrowth of Dollar's Access Across America initiative. Otherspeakers at the press conference included New Hampshire GovernorCraig Benson (R), Congressman Jeb Bradley (R-N.H.), the mayors ofManchester, Concord and Nashua, N.H., New Hampshire Credit UnionLeague President Dan Egan, community activists and new homeownerswho have benefited from the programs.