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HUD KICKS OFF NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH WITH "OWNING YOUR FUTURE" FAIR IN BALTIMORE
Free credit reports, job training and housing counseling part of outreach efforts

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, June 1 the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will host 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, 12 federal agencies, members of the business community and nonprofit organizations will also be participating in the one-day event.

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.

"We are pleased to offer Baltimore residents this unique opportunity, and I believe those who attend this event will walk away with a wealth of information and a new take on the homebuying process. This year's outreach is particularly exciting because for the first time, we will partner with other government agencies to showcase their many programs designed to help families and individuals take control of their future or, own their future, and move toward the American Dream of Homeownership," Secretary Jackson said.

The fair will be held from 3 to 8:00 pm at the War Memorial, 101 North Gay Street. Experts will be on hand to answer questions, provide critical information, and facilitate educational classes. Exhibitors will be showcasing information on homeownership incentive programs, current homes for sale throughout the city and other resource information. Admission is free, and prizes, refreshments and children's activities will be provided. Live wireless Spanish translation will also be featured at the event.

"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.

Government agencies participating in the ownership fairs include: Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Labor, Department of Transportation, Department of the Treasury, Department of Veterans Affairs, Federal Trade Commission, Internal Revenue Service and Social Security Administration.

Members of the business community and nonprofit organizations involved in the outreach efforts are: Live Baltimore, Fannie Mae, FDIC, Federal Home Loan Banks, Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of Mortgage Brokers, National Association of Realtors, Sears, Roebuck and Co., Wells Fargo and Whirlpool.

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 at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

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