**PRESS RELEASE**

Contact:
Thomas F. Gibney, President and CEO
12 Main Street
Walden, NY 12586
(845) 778-2171

March 10, 2009

            HOMETOWN BANCORP, INC. COMPLETES STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM


     Hometown Bancorp,  Inc., (the "Company") (OTCBB: HTWC) the mid-tier holding
company for Walden Federal Savings and Loan Association (the "Bank"),  announced
today that it has completed the stock  repurchase  program that was announced on
July 28, 2008. The Company repurchased 53,561 shares, representing approximately
5% of its outstanding shares (excluding shares held by Hometown Bancorp MHC, the
Company's mutual holding company).

     Established in 1919, the Bank is a community-oriented financial institution
headquartered in Walden,  New York.  Through its six offices,  the Bank offers a
full-range of financial services to individuals and businesses within its market
area. For more information on Hometown Bancorp,  Inc. and Walden Federal Savings
and Loan Association go to our website www.waldenfederal.com.