If you've ever dreamed of owning a home of your own, then plan to attend the free HUD Employee Homeownership Fair on Wednesday, beginning at 11 am in the Headquarters cafeteria. If you work in a HUD field office, get a head start on becoming a homeowner via the HUD TV broadcast or HUD Internet web cast. Wherever you work, you'll learn that anyone with the desire - and just a little discipline - can become a homeowner.

The fair is open to all, but is especially intended for the Department's many potential first time homebuyers. Whether you've worked for HUD for two weeks or more than 20 years, the HUD Employee Homeownership Fair will demystify the home buying process, show you the ABC's of buying a home and give you the help and inspiration you need to live the American Dream. Beginning at 11 am EST, you'll hear from Deputy Secretary Alphonso Jackson and Federal Housing Commissioner/Assistant Secretary for Housing John Weicher. A variety of interesting and informative presentations will teach you the A-B-Cs of home buying; all about home financing; the importance of housing counseling, and much more. This is a unique opportunity for both Headquarters and the field, but if you're in HUD Headquarters, you can meet with representatives of 12 housing-related organizations and agencies following the presentations.

One presentation you won't want to miss will be Marcia Griffin, President of Homefree, a HUD-approved housing counseling agency. This experienced housing counselor will draw a "road map" of the homebuying process and how HUD employees can get the information they need to get started. She'll also offer time-tested advice on who should work with a housing counselor before shopping for their first home. You'll also hear first-person accounts of how HUD employees just like you took action to become homeowners.

Did you ever think that buying a home was out of your reach? Have you tried to buy a home before, but couldn't get a mortgage loan? The homebuying process can be complex: many potential homebuyers become frustrated and just gave up! The HUD Employee Homeownership Fair can help you overcome these frustrations. The Fair will make it easy to learn the ABC's of homebuying and understand home financing so that you can buy the home of your dreams. You'll find clearly written publications to take home and read - like HUD's popular "100 Questions and Answers about Buying a Home." (You also can read the publication on the Internet anytime simply by typing www.hud.gov/newhomebuyer into the URL box on your browser.)

Often overlooked by potential homebuyers is the importance of housing counseling. There are more than 30 housing counseling agency locations in the Washington, D.C. area alone, and more than 1,400 across the nation. They're available to help HUD employees and any other family or individual who wants to buy a home. At the Homeownership Fair, you can meet with a counselor, or set up an appointment for a later time. On HUD's special Homeownership web site, you can get information about housing counselors across the nation and more great information on homeownership by typing www.hud.gov/homeownership anytime of the day or night. (Don't forget to share this easy-to-remember "homeownership" link with your family and friends.)

It's a special event for HUD employees, this Wednesday, February 5th, beginning at 11 am in the HUD cafeteria and on HUD TV and Internet web cast. Don't miss your chance to take the first steps to live your own American Dream. If you have questions or want more information, contact Kitt Rodkey by email (Clyde_K._Rodkey@hud.gov), or by telephone at (202) 708-0614 x2096.

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February is Black History Month 2003, and all Headquarters employees are encouraged to take part in the opening event of this annual celebration. Join your friends and coworkers from the Department and HUD's Chapter of Blacks In Government tomorrow, February 4th at 10:00 am in the HUD Cafeteria.

The theme for Black History Month this year is "The Souls of Black Folk: Centennial Reflections." As part of the Black History Month kick-off, you'll also have a chance to hear Dr. William Powell, a noted inspirational speaker and character coach, who will deliver the keynote address.