Washington, D.C., March 10, 2009 – The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) today announced it has named Karl Ory as its Western Regional Director. Mr. Ory, previously a Housing Specialist in HAC’s national office, will oversee daily operations of HAC’s western regional technical assistance and training program and implement programs to improve the housing conditions of the rural poor in the western region of the country.

“Karl Ory brings considerable experience and skills to this position and he will be an important new resource for rural housing efforts across the western states,” said Peter Carey, HAC board member and CEO of Self Help Enterprises in Visalia, California. Self-Help Enterprises, a long time HAC partner, is an organization dedicated to self-help housing, sewer and water development, housing rehabilitation, multifamily housing and homebuyer programs in the San Joaquin Valley of California.

Mr. Ory has worked in rural housing since 1981.  He has managed two self-help housing programs for eleven years resulting in over 250 homes in twelve developments. He also worked as a trainer and technical service provider to rural housing organizations for eight years in ten western states. Karl joined HAC in February 2007, primarily serving in northeastern states and training nationwide. He has expertise in single-family housing development, land development, and strategic planning. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration and is also a former councilmember and mayor of the City of Chico in California.

“Karl is a welcome addition for our western regional office,” said Moises Loza, HAC’s executive director. “His expertise on rural housing development and his management experience made him the right candidate to implement HAC’s programs in the western U.S.”

Founded in 1971, HAC is a national nonprofit corporation headquartered in Washington, D.C. The western regional office provides technical assistance and training in the states of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. HAC helps local organizations build and preserve affordable homes in rural America by providing below-market financing, technical assistance, research, training, and information services. HAC’s programs focus on local solutions, empowerment of the poor, reduced dependency, and self-help strategies. HAC is an equal opportunity lender. More information is available at www.ruralhome.org.

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