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.
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 Neighborhood Partnerships.
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."
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.
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Welcome
sign at the arrival site of the Mission of Peace in Flint,
Michigan. |
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Flint
Mayor James Rutherford addresses the Mission of Peace
in Flint, Michigan during a Homeownership Celebration
and Home Buyers Fair. |
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Sherri
Brown, new homeowner thanking the Mission of Peace in
Flint Michigan during the Homeownership Celebration. In
the back ground is Rev Elmira Smith-Vincent, Executive
Director of the Misson of Peace. |
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Tyrone
Booth, new homeowner thanking the Mission of Peace for
their support in helping him buy a new home. Tyrone said,
" Now I can go out and mow MY lawn in front of MY home,
thank you." |
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Rev.
Elmira Smith-Vincent Executive Director of the Mission
of Peace. The Mission of Peace has provided services to
over 15,000 persons. They have assisted 736 individuals
and families become homeowners. |
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