NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH 2005: "OWNING YOUR FUTURE" IN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK - On Wednesday, June 1st the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) hosted the first
of a series of nationwide fairs to showcase the tools and resources families need for self-sufficiency and homeownership. In addition to HUD, numerous federal agencies, businesses and nonprofit organizations participated
in the one-day event.

This initial event was part of a larger effort entitled "Owning Your Future." HUD offices around the country will be participating in and/or sponsoring many localized events with the same purpose in mind: self-sufficiency and homeownership.

HUD's "Owning Your Future" program is a holistic outreach that will include informational booths and educational programs on subjects such as job training, educational resources, health and nutrition assistance, transportation vouchers, tax credit and preparation services, as well as housing counseling programs, credit information and
reverse mortgage information. To supplement the information that can be found at these events, HUD has created,
as part of its web site, a special section about Owning Your Future where many links to the information promoted
at these events can be found.

In New York and New Jersey, events are ranging from multiple-part classes on the entire homebuying process conducted by government, non-profit and business professionals, to informational fairs held in parks and other
open spaces, to full-day seminars sponsored by faith-based and community organizations.

"In 2002, President Bush challenged HUD to create 5.5 million new minority homeowners by the end of the decade, and just three years later, we are almost halfway to our goal. I believe the American Dream is within reach for every family who desires to become a homeowner and these fairs will provide the tools needed to get them moving in the right direction," said Secretary Jackson.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as
well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

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