The dream of homeownership - shared by most American families - can be a special challenge for low-income families working hard to get ahead. But for low-income families with disabilities, it can seem like the impossible dream. This week in Denver, public and private partners came together to show how the impossible dream can become the American Dream for more American families.

A Denver couple, Lyndel Harrell and Marlai Miller, have received HUD Section 8 rental assistance for the past seven years, never imagining that one day they would be able to use that assistance to make mortgage payments and own a home of their own. But during National Homeownership Month that's exactly what they did, and now Harrell and Miller are buying their own condominium in Denver using HUD's Section 8 program.

HUD A/S Liu presents William Skinner with a symbolic key to his new home in Pueblo.

As part of HUD's celebration of National Homeownership Month, Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing Michael Liu, and Norleen Norden, Director of Supportive Housing and Homeless Programs (SHHP) for the Colorado Department of Human Services, presented symbolic keys to three Colorado families who are becoming first-time homebuyers with help from HUD's Section 8 Homeownership Initiative. The program, administered through HUD's Office of Public Housing, enables a family to use a Section 8 voucher to make monthly mortgage payments instead of a rental payment.

While Harrell and Miller are purchasing a Denver condominium, the families of William Skinner and Lisa Kovacich will close on homes in Pueblo. HUD Regional Director John Carson praised the families and this special HUD homeownership program: "All three families have met the challenges of their disabilities to achieve the American dream. They also have demonstrated the courage and perseverance - and assumed the serious responsibilities - required to become homeowners." The three families joined 21 other Colorado families with disabilities who have already purchased homes through the Section 8 Homeownership Initiative. Two of them - Arianne Knapp from Burlington, Colorado, and Sheri Smith of Denver - attended the June 10th event to show their support and encouragement for the new homeowners.

"The Section 8 Homeownership Program presents an excellent opportunity for low-income people with disabilities to achieve homeownership-a dream that many Americans, of all abilities, share," said Congresswoman Diana DeGette. "I commend HUD and our local housing agencies on making this program a reality and a success." Some of the local housing agency staff and other partners who made the successful homeownership effort and the June 10th celebration possible are pictured here: (l-r) Larry Nelson, Cornerstone Realty; Sam Desiato, SHHP, CO Dept. of Human Services; Flo Tonelli, HERO Alliance; Anne Lovett, citywide Financial; Norleen Norden, SHHP, CO Dept. of Human Services; Kren Harkin, CHFA; Norma Anderson, US Bank; Betty Maybin, Cornerstone Realty.

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Where ever you live, if you want to learn more about how to own your own home, visit HUD's National Homeownership Month page. You can get valuable information in English or Spanish - and begin to live your own American Dream!