Lancaster, PA (January 15, 2008) – United Way of Lancaster County announces the creation of a fund to assist the victims of the OPFM fraud. United Way officials have worked with a group of local business persons who felt compelled to help those affected by the fraud.

These individuals were referred to United Way by state Senator Mike Brubaker, who says, “I continue to be impressed by the support of our community for these families. The establishment of this fund by the United Way and a group of local business leaders is an exemplary example of this and will provide a secured way for individuals in our community to offer financial assistance to those who are most in need.”

Organizers of the Fraud Victims’ Fund aim to assist those who are in grave or imminent danger of losing their homes. Victims seeking assistance must meet eligibility guidelines and make application to United Way. Once the fundraising period has closed, the Fraud Victims’ Fund Team will review applications and will issue assistance of up to $4,800 and up to $2,400. The Fund Team projects that assistance will be available by May 2008. The number of recipients is dependent upon the need and total funds raised. If paid directly to recipients, assistance is considered taxable income.

A partnership between United Way and Tabor Community Services, a local community-based nonprofit housing and financial counseling agency, will allow recipients to participate in financial counseling and analysis at Tabor Community Services, if they choose.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development recommends that families should spend no more than 30 percent of their income on housing. In 2006, almost one-third of all households in Lancaster County exceeded this ratio, and were thus considered “cost-burdened.” According to Susan Eckert, President of United Way of Lancaster County, the Fraud Victims’ Fund aims to provide a measure of relief for those who now find themselves struggling to maintain affordable housing due to the OPFM fraud.

“Part of our mission is to mobilize the caring power of the community and one of our primary areas of work in this community is protecting affordable housing and preventing homelessness. We feel we are a natural partner in these efforts to support those who are most in danger of losing their homes,” says Eckert.

When OPFM Inc. filed for bankruptcy in September 2007, more than 800 borrowers, at least 300 of them Lancaster County residents, learned that they owed significantly more on their mortgages. Many borrowers have seen their monthly mortgage payments increase as much as 50 percent. Some victims face possible foreclosure on their homes.

100 percent of donations to the Fraud Victims’ Fund will go directly to eligible victims. Gifts to the Fraud Victims’ Fund are tax deductible. Contributions will be accepted through February 15, 2008. Those wishing to make contributions to the fund may make checks payable to United Way of Lancaster County, write the words "Fraud Victims’ Fund" in the memo line of the check and mail to the following address: United Way of Lancaster County, Attn: Wendy Jarrett, 630 Janet Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601

For further information about the Fraud Victims’ Fund, contact Susan Eckert, President, United Way of Lancaster County at 394.0731. For advice on options to make direct designations to specific individuals, please contact Stefanie Myer at Susquehanna Bank at 625.6215.