Speaking at today’s event, Governor McAuliffe said, “We know that safe and affordable housing is a key component for creating healthy communities in which everyone can live, work and do business, and it is essential for building a new Virginia economy. The Commonwealth provides many programs that help our citizens achieve the goal of homeownership, and during National Homeownership Month, we recognize the critical role homeownership plays in communities across Virginia and the United States.”
Also joining the Governor for the Homeownership Month celebration was Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones, VHDA Executive Director Susan Dewey, DHCD Executive Director Bill Shelton, and Santia Nance, a VHDA first-time homebuyer.
“Homeownership is one of the greatest sources of wealth that individuals and families can have,” said Secretary Jones. “In addition to the stability and security provided, homeownership facilitates access to education and other assets Virginians need to pursue their dreams.”
“In communities all over Virginia, we’ve seen the difference that quality, affordable housing can make,” added Ms. Dewey. “In honor of Virginia Homeownership Month, we look forward to continuing our mission of helping Virginians attain quality affordable housing by providing housing education; affordable fixed-rate mortgages; financing for rental housing; and support for community revitalization, homelessness and housing accessibility initiatives.”
During the event, the Governor presented VHDA with a certificate of recognition proclaiming June as Virginia Homeownership Month. In addition, he was joined by many of Virginia’s housing partners, including Realtors®, lenders, homebuilders, local governments, non-profits, the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development and local housing authorities.
“I qualified for a VHDA FHA mortgage with a great interest rate,” said first-time homebuyer Santia Nance, a speaker at the event. “However, what made it even better was that I also received a VHDA Down Payment Assistance Grant which covered all of my downpayment costs, and a VHDA Mortgage Credit Certificate, which should save me money on my federal taxes in the future. So, thanks to VHDA, I am now a successful first-time homebuyer – they really went the extra mile to make homeownership a reality for me!”
VHDA, in partnership with DHCD, has been a leader in assisting Virginians to attain sustainable homeownership through a number of innovative homeownership programs.
VHDA also promotes financial literacy and provides free homeownership education and counseling to assist homebuyers in understanding the costs and obligations of any home purchase.
National Homeownership Month started as a week-long celebration of homeownership during the Clinton administration in 1995. In 2002, President George W. Bush proclaimed June as National Homeownership Month with a goal of helping more families achieve the American Dream. He wished to encourage all Americans to learn more about financial management and explore homeownership opportunities in their communities.
See DHCD's photos from this event.
Read the Governor's proclamation.
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