LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Fifth Third Bank Homeownership Mobile (aka the “eBus”) will be rolling into Lafayette, Indiana this Wednesday (tomorrow) and Thursday, June 3 and 4. The Homeownership Mobile is a 40-foot bus that doubles as a mobile classroom to provide credit counseling, financial literacy, homeownership assistance and foreclosure prevention directly to where people live and work.

A self-contained mobile classroom on wheels, the eBus is Internet-equipped with 14 computer terminals for instructor-led or self-directed homeownership and credit counseling programs, and access to comprehen-sive financial services information.

Fifth Third Bank has several community partners that will help make the eBus program a success in-cluding: The Community College Foundation, Lafayette Adult Resource Academy (LARA), Family Services, Inc., Hanna Community Center, Habitat for Humanity of Lafayette, Inc., Experience Works, Lafayette Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc., Internal Revenue Service, and Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA).

This is the fifth year the eBus has visited Indiana. In 2008, and in just 15 days time, more than 8,931 Central and Northeastern Indiana residents stepped aboard the Homeownership Mobile; 307 received free credit reports; and 242 received one-on-one counseling sessions.

A Mobile Classroom
A self-contained mobile classroom on wheels, the eBus is Internet-equipped with 14 computer terminals for instructor-led or self-directed homeownership and credit counseling programs, and access to comprehen-sive financial services information, including the free Fifth Third Homeownership Guide and Dream Guard life planning materials. Fifth Third community development officers, mortgage professionals and retail banking staff will be on board the Homeownership Mobile along with community partners to promote financial literacy, homeownership assistance and foreclosure prevention in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. On the bus, visitors will be able to:

• Request a free credit report and review it onboard.
• Request a free credit report with a credit score that will be mailed directly to you.
• Receive a free consultation on loss mitigation and foreclosure prevention.
• Receive a free personalized evaluation of finances.
• Speak with non-profit organizations that provide housing, money management and business advice.
• Browse free multi-lingual, self-directed programs on homeownership and credit counseling.

“The housing market has suffered through a tumultuous year and there have been many changes,” said Beverly Mukes-Gaither, Senior Vice President of Community Development for Fifth Third Bank, Central Indiana. “The eBus arrives at an opportune time to help people who have questions and for them to realize they have options even in this challenging market. Fifth Third believes that in order to build a better tomorrow we must meet the community’s needs today.”

eBus Schedule

• Wednesday, June 3: LARA, 1100 Elizabeth St., Lafayette, Noon-6:00p
• Thursday, June 4: Howarth Center, 615 N. 18th St. Lafayette, 10:00a–3:00p

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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Employees Federal Credit Union (PEFCU) invites the Greater Lafayette community to visit any PEFCU branch from 9:00a to 5:30p, on Thursday, January 29, for a no-cost, no-obligation credit report review during its first in a series of educational branch “lobby days”. Prior to attending the lobby day, individuals may access their credit report from CreditReportAmerica.com.

Every time someone applies for a new credit card, a mortgage or other loan, and perhaps even insurance or a job, his or her application is judged in part by a credit score, which is a three-digit number determined by an individual’s credit history. It is important for individuals to understand what comprises their credit history and how to read their credit reports because consumers with lower credit scores often pay higher interest rates on loans because they are considered riskier customers.

PEFCU Member Service Specialists will be available during the January 29 lobby day to help PEFCU members and non-members review and understand their credit reports. PEFCU Credit Counselors are also available for free one-on-one sessions and educational workshops. Individuals may learn more at www.purdueefcu.com, or by calling 765.497.3328 or 800.627.3328.