HUD LAUNCHES "OWNING YOUR FUTURE" FAIRS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH
Free credit reports, job training and housing counseling part of outreach efforts in Baltimore, Cincinnati, Albuquerque, New Orleans and Orlando

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Alphonso Jackson announced that HUD will bring together 12 federal agencies, members of the business community and nonprofit organizations at five city fairs during June to showcase the tools and resources families need for 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.

"Homeownership is our mission and these fairs provide an excellent opportunity to reach communities on a very personal level. 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.

HUD will kick-off the month in Baltimore with a fair for area residents on June 1 at the War Memorial, 101 North Gay Street. Fairs will continue throughout the month in Cincinnati, OH on June 4 at Lincoln Community Center, 1027 Linn Street; Albuquerque, NM on June 11 at Longfellow Elementary, 400 Edith Blvd NE; New Orleans, LA on June 18 at Delgado Life Center, 615 City Park Avenue; and Orlando, FL on June 25 at Jones High School, 801 S Rio Grande Avenue. The Baltimore fair will be from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All other fairs will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"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.

Experts will be on hand in each location to answer questions, provide critical information, and facilitate educational classes. Admission is free, and prizes, refreshments and children's activities will be provided.

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: 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.

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