Contact: Dustee Tucker, 202-708-0685

For Immediate Release
April 30, 2005 

                                                   
HUD LAUNCHES "OWNING YOUR FUTURE" FAIRS TO CELEBRATE
NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH
Five City Tour Showcases Tools and Resources To Develop Self-sufficiency

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Alphonso Jackson announced that his Department will bring 11 federal agencies, members of the business community and nonprofit organizations together at five city fairs 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, and 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 a real 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 assist low and moderate income individuals," Secretary Jackson said.  "We're confident that these programs will help an individual take control of their future or 'own their future' and move toward the American Dream of Homeownership."

HUD will kick-off the month in Baltimore with a fair for area residents on June 1 at the War Memorial at 101 North Gay Street.  Fairs will continue throughout the month in Cincinnati, OH on June 4; Albuquerque, NM on June 11; New Orleans, LA on June 18; and Orlando, FL on June 25.  

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

"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 the Treasury
- Department of Transportation
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Federal Trade Commission
- Internal Revenue Service
- Social Security Administration

HUD is the nations 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 is available via the Internet at www.owningyourfuture.gov , www.hud.gov, or espanol.hud.gov.

###