On the Road Across America
A Daily Journal from the Homeownership Express!

Not even the scorching heat and the oppressive humidity could erase the smile from the face of Sharrell Fischer as she welcomed the "Homeownership Express" to New Orleans from the front porch of her own home.

Sharrell could hardly have looked prouder as she surveyed the scene - and with good reason.

Less than a decade ago, she was barely getting by. But in 1997, Sharrell qualified to receive Section 8 rental housing assistance, which marked the first step on her path to realizing the American Dream of homeownership. She spent the next few years taking housing education courses sponsored by Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans.

Sharrell took her studies seriously, worked hard at her job, and remained determined to become a homeowner. In July 2002, her dream came true.

"Section 8 opened many doors for me," said Sharrell, speaking to the crowd that had gathered to greet the Homeownership Express. In describing how owning a home of her own has changed her life, she said that what she appreciates most of all is living in a quiet neighborhood.

"And I love the fact that this home is mine," said Sharrell.

Twenty-five families in New Orleans have already become homeowners through the Section 8 Homeownership Program. President Bush wants to help many more next year, and has proposed expanding the program so that it can reach more citizens.

If Sharrell's story tweaked listeners' emotions, then the remarks delivered by HUD Deputy Secretary Alphonso Jackson and U.S. Representative William Jefferson served as a call to action.

The long-time Congressman noted that only 39 percent of minorities in his district are homeowners - well below the national minority homeownership rate of 48 percent and far below the overall national rate of 68 percent.

Deputy Secretary Jackson said that leaders on the national and local levels must work together to help more minority individuals and families become homeowners. The Deputy Secretary promised that HUD will continue to demand accountability in the use of federal funds, ensuring that housing assistance programs are as effective - and help as many people - as possible. He also said that HUD Secretary Mel Martinez and his entire team will continue to work to make the home settlement process simpler and less costly.

The two leaders applauded an announcement by the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation of a $280,000 grant to Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans in support of the local organization's Section 8 homeownership initiative.

When the program came to an end, folks helped themselves to muffins and cold drinks - much appreciated on a hot and humid day.

Tomorrow: The big bus is Florida bound

Content Archived: May 3, 2010