YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- The Home Savings and Loan Co., a subsidiary of United Community Financial Corp., has introduced "Abriendo Puertas" (Opening Doors), a program designed to enhance access to mortgage credit for low-to-moderate income families in the greater Youngstown area.Daniel B. Plant, vice president of residential mortgage lending, Home Savings Northeast Division, says "Opening Doors" provides potential homebuyers with education, pre-qualification assistance, financial and debt management counseling, flexible mortgage products, access to public agency subsidies, post-purchase counseling and default intervention. The program was developed through the cooperation with Home Savings, Organizacion Civica y Cultural Hispanic Americana (OCCHA), Family Service Agency, Gospel Temple Community Empowerment Organization, the City of Youngstown and Freddie Mac."This program is a beneficial for individuals who may be intimidated by the process of obtaining mortgage financing for the purchase of a home," Plant explains.The program provides access conventional mortgage financing at the best rates and terms available through Home Savings and Freddie Mac. Home Savings has employees available who speak fluent Spanish if needed."Opening Doors" will kick-off with an overview meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 22 at the OCCHA Office at 3660 Shirley Road in Youngstown. Free home buyer seminars hosted by Home Savings and Family Service Agency, are scheduled at the OCCHA Office from 9 a.m. to noon May 15 and May 29."Basically, the seminars will walk customers through the step-by-step process of financing a home," Plant notes.Topics will include money-saving home buying tips to establish or correct credit, applying for available grant funds, and understanding the mortgage application process. Seminars are free of charge and attendees will receive a complimentary Home Buyer's Handbook, Home Affordability Calculator and "Common Mistakes to Avoid" brochure. Translators will be available during the seminars. Customers who attend a seminar also have the opportunity to schedule an appointment for a free pre-approval application.To RSVP for one of the seminars, or for more information, call the OCCHA office at (330) 781-1808.With current assets of $2 billion, Home Savings operates 35 banking offices and six loan production offices throughout Ohio and western Pennsylvania, employing nearly 700 people.Visit Home Savings and Loan Co.: www.homesavings.com"