On April 18th, I will step down as Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

There comes a time when one must attend more diligently to personal and family matters.

Now is such a time for me.

I have devoted more than 30 years of my life to improving housing opportunities for all Americans regardless of income, skin color or spoken accent. My life's work has been to build better communities that families are proud to call home

Seven years ago, President Bush gave me an extraordinary opportunity to serve HUD and the nation. As the son of a lead smelter and nurse-midwife, and as the last of 12 children, never did I imagine I'd serve America in such a way.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity.

During my time here, I have sought to make America a better place to live, work and raise a family. We have helped families keep their homes. We have transformed public housing. We have reduced chronic homelessness. And, we have preserved affordable housing and increased minority homeownership.

We have done this together. I take great pride in working alongside some of the most dedicated civil servants in America. The hardworking people at HUD make a difference in the lives of thousands of Americans daily.

Marcia and I want to thank you for the many acts of kindness we have received over the last seven years.

May God bless you and may God continue to bless America

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