With April being National Financial Literacy Month,  Rhode Islanders are invited to attend a no-cost, virtual workshop on the planning and process of purchasing a home. Titled, “Let’s Talk Money: Buying a House,” the session will be held live on Zoom on Tuesday, April 4 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Those who wish to attend are asked to register in advance online at: https://qrco.de/Moneytalk.

The workshop is being offered by Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) and Pawtucket Central Falls Development (PCF Development). It is part of BankRI’s year-long support of PCF Development’s Comprehensive Homeownership Program. BankRI recently awarded the organization a grant of $10,000 to help increase affordable homeownership and improve financial literacy among first-time buyers statewide.

Anyone interested in buying their first home, whether just beginning with initial steps or already involved in the process to purchase, is encouraged to attend. The virtual session is open to all.

In the workshop, attendees will learn insights from experts from PCF Development and BankRI. The session will help participants examine their finances through the lens of buying a home, taking them through the steps of planning and preparation, and applying for a mortgage. Topics will include affordability, understanding debt to income ratio, and how to improve a credit report. There will also be a Q&A session. The workshop will be led by Dianny Melusky, PCF Development’s Director of Homeownership, and BankRI Mortgage Specialists, Kathy Galipeau and Stephanie Silva.

“Buying a home is often the single largest investment you can make, and when it comes to such a lifechanging purchase, nothing is more important than being prepared and knowledgeable,” said Kathy Galipeau.

Added Stephanie Silva, “This is a valuable workshop that offers something for every potential homebuyer, no matter where they may be in their process. We’re eager to share our expertise with the community.”

PCF Development is a nonprofit community development organization dedicated to neighborhood revitalization and creating high-quality, affordable housing. They have constructed more than 300 rental units and 150 homeownership units in Providence County since 1990. Along with creating homes, they focus on homeownership education, financial coaching and credit counseling, and post-purchase training.

Questions about the April 4 workshop or any of PCF Development’s HUD-approved first-time homebuyer courses may be directed to Dianny Melusky at dmelusky@pcfdevelopment.org, or (401) 726-1173 ext. 12.