Even in an economy with record-breaking foreclosures and layoffs, officials in the housing industry say this is a good time to buy a home.

“Banks and mortgage lenders are still lending money, and people are still buying houses,” said David Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise, which tries to help low- to moderate-income residents get homes. “CNE has made 95 homeownership loans this year compared to about 35 loans last year. Our business is way up.”

To help convince others to dive into the housing market, CNE is hosting an event at Hamilton Place this weekend to promote its programs and offer advice to potential homeowners.

The homeownership showcase is in recognition of NeighborWorks Week. NeighborWorks is a nationwide network of more than 240 nonprofit organizations working to increase homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods.

While the sagging economy frightens some people out of trying to buy a home, now is actually an excellent time to explore the idea, said Michael Julian Bond, vice president of marketing for Atlanta-based Seniors Home Reverse Mortgage Inc. Home prices are decreasing now, making it easier for some to buy a home, said Mr. Bond, the son of famed civil rights leader Julian Bond.

“If you can qualify for a home, you should buy,” said Mr. Bond, in Chattanooga on Thursday to promote the opening of a Seniors Home Reverse Mortgage Inc. office in the city. “You are participating in the American dream. Homeownership is the cornerstone for personal wealth.”

Helping people reach that dream has been the goal of CNE, which has helped more than 3,400 local people become homeowners or keep their homes since the organization was created in 1986, officials said.

At the event this weekend, “We’ll talk about the education we provide through group classes and individual counseling,” said Linda Sartain, homeownership center manager at CNE.

The classes instruct potential homebuyers on how to find the right neighborhood, real estate agent and banker to fit their needs, Ms. Sartain said. Classes also focus on the benefits and responsibility of homeownership, and help homebuyers avoid foreclosure.

One of the biggest benefits of homeownership is the potential to gain wealth, Mr. Johnson said.

The average net wealth of a renter in the United States is $4,050. The average net wealth of a homeowner is $184,560.

“A home builds wealth,” Mr. Johnson said.