Secretary Martinez visited the the HUD New York City office on Wednesday March 28, 2001. Mary Ann Wilson, the Acting Secretary's Representative for New York/New Jersey introduced Secretary Martinez and presented him with a New York City symbolic crystal apple on behalf of all staff.

Ms. Wilson welcomes Secretary Martinez	New York City and some HUD staff from Upstate and New Jersey greeted the Secretary

Secretary Martinez addressed a large number of employees from the New York State office plus the state coordinator from New Jersey and the area coordinator from Albany. The Secretary discussed his vision of HUD and his agenda, which focuses on helping people, creating more affordable housing and making HUD more effective and responsive to the general public. He said that "we will use our resources to meet human needs" and noted that HUD can be both compassionate and wise in spending the taxpayers' money. The Secretary received a resounding applause and a warm welcome for the first of what the state office hopes will be many visits. Following his remarks, the Secretary shook hands and met as many HUD staff as possible.

In the afternoon, Secretary Martinez traveled to Mt. Vernon in Westchester County, New York. Governor George Pataki of New York and Mayor Ernie Davis of Mt. Vernon, met him at the home of Diane Brown, a former public housing resident from the Bronx who received a grant in order to make the down payment on her current home.

Secretary Martinez with Diane Brown and her son Barry, who turned eight years old on the day of the visit	HUD's HOME Program - and active community participation - were the driving forces behind the homeownership success story.

Community Housing Innovations of White Plains, the not-for-profit organization that assisted Ms. Brown with her grant, received a $400,0000 grant to help other families like the Browns. This was part of $433.7 million in HUD grants that will be awarded in the State of New York.

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