ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- NCUA Vice Chairman Rodney E. Hood addressedattendees of the National Federation of Community DevelopmentCredit Unions Mortgage Lending Seminar and commended them for theirpositive work in the current economy and stressed the importance ofcontinuing to "be a part of the solution."

"You can do this through your commitment to serving theunderserved and making capital accessible and affordable," Hoodsaid. "With average net worth above 11.54%, America's federallyinsured credit unions are positioned to once again demonstrate thecredit union philosophy of "people helping people" by makingcapital available to those who need it most, when they need itmost."

The two-day seminar provided mortgage lending strategies tocredit unions, housing organizations, nonprofits, housing industryprofessionals, and mortgage industry professionals.

Hood also identified the importance of homeownership as key tobuilding sustainable wealth and creating strong, viablecommunities. Hood suggested partnering with organizations such asFederal Home Loan Banks, HUD and NeighborWorks America to increasehomeownership.

"Such partnerships are necessary to make capital not onlyaffordable but also available, particularly among the underserved,"said Hood.

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