Credit Union helps city receive affordable housing grant

TopLine Federal Credit Union was recognized as an important community partner when the city of Brooklyn Park, MN received a $294,000 Affordable Housing Program grant for 2013 from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) in Des Moines. This grant was made available to the city due in part to TopLine FCUs member/owner status with FHLB, as well as TopLines long-standing relationship with the city of Brooklyn Park. This grant, combined with a 2011 grant of more than $500,000, with which TopLine also was involved, brings the total given to Brooklyn Park families through the FHLB-funded program to more than $800,000. By working together with credit unions and other financial institutions, the FHLB provides stable and secure funding to support individuals dreams of homeownership. The funds come directly from FHLB without using taxpayer dollars. The money is distributed based on a competitive grant process involving communities throughout the United States. The grants are used to help low-income homeowners maintain their homes, improve energy efficiency and make needed repairs. During the ceremony, TopLine FCU President & CEO Harry Carter joined Brooklyn Park Mayor Jeff Lunde and Congressman Erik Paulsen (R-3rd District) in praising this grant program and its impact on the community. Commenting that this is the second time that Brooklyn Park has been successful in receiving one of these competitive grants, Mayor Lunde emphasized that these grants provide crucial funding to support the citys housing strategy to help citizens obtain and retain home ownership.