HUD DEPUTY SECRETARY ADDRESSES ANNUAL HOUSING SUMMIT
Bernardi stresses Housing Counseling and Financial Literacy at 15th Annual Conference

CAROLINA, PR - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary Roy A. Bernardi today addressed the 15th annual Housing Summit in Carolina, Puerto Rico and discussed HUD's commitment to affordable housing. The conference, sponsored by the Puerto Rico Bankers Association, the Puerto Rico Department of Housing, the Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) Association, and the Home Builders Association, brought together 300 participants from the private and public sector.

Bernardi emphasized HUD's national call to action for affordable housing. Created in 2003, America's Affordable Community Initiative seeks to reduce and eliminate burdensome regulations, excessive fees and out-of-date building codes, making it difficult for hardworking families to find homes they can afford.

"Since the inception of this program, more than 120 communities have heard this call to action and are talking steps to remove excessive and burdensome regulations," said Bernardi. "I'm pleased that the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Municipality of Carolina have joined us in this initiative. What a positive step forward for all of its residents."

Through HUD programs such as the HOME Investment Partnership Program and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, more Puerto Ricans are able to find homes within their price range. Bernardi also stressed the importance of preserving housing tax credits, as well as utilizing housing counselors and teaching financial literacy to ensure future homeowners are educated about the safest options when purchasing a home.

This year marks Bernardi's third consecutive year addressing the conference.

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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 and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.