(Saturday, June 7 Flint, Michigan) The HUD "Homeownership Express" came to Flint, Michigan, to see how an organization rooted in faith is working with local families to make their dreams of homeownership a reality.

Welcome sign at the arrival site of the Mission of Peace in Flint, Michigan.

Mission of Peace Housing Counseling Agency is a HUD-certified counselor that provides both pre- and post-purchase education to future homeowners, along with guidance on foreclosure prevention, reverse mortgages, rental issues, and life skills. Its message: for buyers willing to seek out information and education, homeownership is within reach.

In its six years of operation, Mission of Peace has worked with more than 15,000 families, successfully guiding many of them into homes of their own. Mission of Peace stands as a wonderful example of a local organization that is reaching into its community and helping to lift its neighbors toward prosperity. This is exactly the kind of community involvement that President Bush is working to inspire throughout the country through his Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

Sherri Brown, new homeowner thanking the Mission of Peace in Flint Michigan during the Homeownership Celebration. In the background is Rev Elmira Smith-Vincent, Executive Director of the Mission of Peace.

At today's homeownership fair, three successful homeowners - Sherri Brown, Tyrone Booth, and Tonya Cleveland - thanked Mission of Peace for its support and described how homeownership has changed their lives. "Owning my home is great," said Tyrone. "It provides a solid foundation for me to raise my two sons. And now I can mow my lawn in front of my home."

"I absolutely adore my home," said Tonya, a mother of three. "It is wonderful having something that is my own for my children and me. Had it not been for Mission of Peace, I definitely would still be renting."

Flint Mayor James Rutherford addresses the Mission of Peace in Flint, Michigan during a Homeownership Celebration and Home Buyers Fair.

On hand for the festivities were Flint Mayor James Rutherford; Rev. Elmira Smith-Vincent, founder and Executive Director of Mission of Peace; Genesee County Treasurer Daniel Kildee; Flint Township Supervisor Linda Barber; Dan Behm, Superintendent of Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools; Patrick Fehring, President of Fifth Third Bank; Rita Hillman, Fannie Mae Partnership Office Director; Taia Lockhart, Director, PMI Mortgage Insurance Co.; and Joseph Galvan, HUD Regional Director.

Joseph Galvan described the many ways in which homeownership strengthens not only families, but entire communities. "The Bush Administration has joined forces with numerous private and nonprofit organizations in a collaborative effort to increase homeownership, particularly among minorities," he said.

The group of partners signed an agreement expressing their joint support for affordable housing, homeownership, and community and economic development, and pledged cooperation to increase the capacity of Flint organizations to address community needs.

More than 250 people came out to welcome the Homeownership Express and learn about the opportunities for homeownership that await them.

Tomorrow: Setting African-American families in Chicago on the road to homeownership.