ORLANDO and JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Fairwinds CU and Community First Credit Union of Florida have added their names to the growing list of credit unions participating in CUNA's Home Loan Payment Relief (HLPR) mortgage program, bringing the total number of credit union participants to 94. Launched in 2005, the HLPR program is a nationwide initiative designed to assist first-time homebuyers by allowing them to finance a new home at a more affordable rate and reduced monthly payments. Fairwinds and Community First have committed $10 million and $7.5 million in the HLPR program, respectively. The total commitments so far are $954,343,000. To complement its participation in the HLPR program, Fairwinds is also offering free educational seminars to first-time buyers to explain the process of buying a new home and choosing the right mortgage program. Community First CU of Florida President John Hirabayashi observed that with real estate prices in the greater Jacksonville area continuing to climb, "many low- and moderate-income families are missing the opportunity to pursue the American dream of homeownership. We believe the HLPR mortgage is an innovative solution that will narrow the widening gap between the incomes of average families and the affordability of a first home."