The second annual Homeownership Expo and Family Day filled the Pope Center Saturday, September 26, with people seeking information from some two dozen organizations.

The Expo, hosted by the City of Washington, brought together citizens and resources to increase the number of homeowners in the area, said Mildred Hudson. "Community building is a collaborative effort, and we are proud of the 23 organizations that helped us with this year's Expo. We want to thank our two sponsors, Farmers State Bank and F&M Bank for their support again this year, and all our local merchants for their donations for door prizes."

Information was provided from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the USDA Rural Development, along with 20 other service and resource providers, from local businesses to civic organizations.

The Expo is part of a continuing effort to educate and prepare citizens to purchase homes in Washington and Wilkes County, Hudson said. "The City of Washington housing staff is taking a proactive approach and a great responsibility for an issue that affects our community. Homeownership builds wealth, and creates healthier families and stronger communities."