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Thursday, June 19, 2003

	Meet Us in St. Louis
	Gumbo, Jambalaya and Potential Homebuyers Await the Homeownership Express in New Orleans

Saturday, June 14, 2003 (St. Louis, Missouri) It's the spot from which explorers Lewis and Clark began their journey across the vast Louisiana Purchase in 1804. The 1904 World's Fair took place here, and 20 million visitors got a glimpse of amazing new technologies - at the same time they tasted exotic, new creations like hot dogs and ice cream. In 1927, 12 of this city's businessmen sponsored a young pilot who dared to believe he could be the first to fly non-stop across the Atlantic; so began the legend of The Spirit of St. Louis and pilot Charles Lindberg. The famed Gateway Arch was completed in 1967 and has served as a reminder of the city's pioneer past, and a nod to the possibilities of tomorrow, ever since.

The city is St. Louis, of course. You might say that the "Homeownership Express" tapped into that pioneering spirit when it arrived in town. That's because just as the journey west represented hope and opportunities for Missourians in the past, owning a home represents the pathway to prosperity and a better quality of life for many Missouri families today.

At the Trinity Place Homebuyers Educational Street Fair, sponsored by Metropolitan Congregations United, families had the opportunity to learn how to navigate the homebuying process and what the Bush Administrations is doing to make buying a home less complicated and less costly for consumers.

The weekend event spotlighted a $6 million housing development in the Hyde Park neighborhood. The development - the work of a faith-based organization - is the first step in revitalizing the neighborhood surrounding Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Eventually, 20 homes will be created, and 20 families will learn for themselves that homeownership can transform lives.

More than 400 people attended the homeownership fair over the weekend, and Mayor Francis Slay joined in the festivities by proclaiming June as National Homeownership Month in St. Louis.

Joining HUD Regional Director Macie Houston in St. Louis were Fannie Mae, the Homebuilders Association of Greater St. Louis and other representatives of HUD's Blueprint for the American Dream Partnership.

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Monday, June 16, 2003 (New Orleans, Louisiana) Not even the scorching heat and the oppressive humidity could erase the smile from the face of Sharrell Fischer as she welcomed the "Homeownership Express" to New Orleans from the front porch of her own home.

Sharrell could hardly have looked prouder as she surveyed the scene - and with good reason.

New homeowner Sharrell Fisher stands on the porch of her home, describing the ways that homeownership has changed her life. Looking on are HUD Deputy Secretary Alphonso Jackson (to her far right) and Congressman William J. Jefferson (to her near right).

Less than a decade ago, she was barely getting by. But in 1997, Sharrell qualified to receive Section 8 rental housing assistance, which marked the first step on her path to realizing the American Dream of homeownership. She spent the next few years taking housing education courses sponsored by Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans.

Sharrell took her studies seriously, worked hard at her job and remained determined to become a homeowner. In July 2002, her dream came true.

"Section 8 opened many doors for me," said Sharrell, speaking to the crowd that had gathered to greet the Homeownership Express. In describing how owning a home of her own has changed her life, she said that what she appreciates most of all is living in a quiet neighborhood.

"And I love the fact that this home is mine," said Sharrell.

Twenty-five families in New Orleans have already become homeowners through the Section 8 Homeownership Program. President Bush wants to help many more next year, and has proposed expanding the program so that it can reach more citizens.

If Sharrell's story tweaked listeners' emotions, then the remarks delivered by HUD Deputy Secretary Alphonso Jackson and U.S. Representative William Jefferson served as a call to action.

The long-time Congressman noted that only 39 percent of minorities in his district are homeowners - well below the national minority homeownership rate of 48 percent and far below the overall national rate of 68 percent.

Deputy Secretary Jackson said that leaders on the national and local levels must work together to help more minority individuals and families become homeowners. The Deputy Secretary promised that HUD will continue to demand accountability in the use of federal funds, ensuring that housing assistance programs are as effective - and help as many people - as possible. He also said that HUD Secretary Mel Martinez and his entire team will continue to work to make the home settlement process simpler and less costly.

The two leaders applauded an announcement by the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation of a $280,000 grant to Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans in support of the local organization's Section 8 homeownership initiative.

When the program came to an end, folks helped themselves to muffins and cold drinks - much appreciated on a hot and humid day.