Houses of worship in virtually every part of the nation are beginning to serve more than the spiritual needs of their congregations. In a movement that is strongly encouraged by HUD, faith-based groups are taking steps to help low- and moderate-income worshipers - and often, any neighborhood resident - become homeowners.

And they are making a genuine difference. One good example is Mission of Peace, in Flint, Michigan. It began in 1997 as the work of Reverend Elmira Smith-Vincent. As a real estate agent, she saw first hand the need to educate persons in preparation for home purchase. She began conducting classes and inviting potential clients to meet with banks, mortgage companies and realtors. In the past year, Mission of Peace has helped more than 300 families and individuals live the American dream of homeownership.

After conducting several classes and finding increased interest and inquiries from persons needing assistance, she formed Mission of Peace Housing Counseling Agency as a faith-based non-profit organization. It became an affiliate Housing Counseling Agency under the Congress of National Black Churches (CNBC) and was certified as a Housing Counseling Agency under HUD and Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Mission of Peace has a partnership with Fannie Mae, through which they offer the Mission of Peace Lending Initiative for home purchase and refinance. In addition, they work with lenders throughout the State of Michigan.

The Mission of Peace Homeownership Counseling Agency recently hosted an event called "Mission of Peace, Providing the American Dream - Homeownership." It was a well-deserved celebration for all of the families and individuals who have become homeowners through the Mission's services, as well as the lenders, title companies, and local banks affiliated with Mission of Peace. Thanks to media coverage of the celebration, the Mission has received calls from potential homeowners from all over the State of Michigan.

Any faith-based or community group can become involved in helping their parishioners, neighbors and community - and HUD can help. As a first step, read the useful publications recently published by HUD's Office of Faith Based Initiative, "Ten Things Your Faith-Based Community Can Do to Encourage Homeownership." More information about how HUD can help can be found through this useful Internet site.