National Homeownership Month, 2006

Proclamation 8024 of May 24, 2006

National Homeownership Month, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Owning a home is an important part of the American
dream. During National Homeownership Month, we raise
awareness of homeownership and encourage more Americans
to consider the benefits of owning their own home.

Nearly 70 percent of Americans enjoy the satisfaction
of owning their own home, and my Administration
continues to promote an ownership society where the
promise of America reaches all our citizens. The
American Dream Downpayment Act of 2003 is helping
thousands of low to moderate income and minority
families with downpayment and closing costs, which
represent the greatest barrier to homeownership. Since
2002, when I announced our goal to help 5.5 million
minorities become homeowners by the end of this decade,
the rate of minority homeownership has climbed above 50
percent, and more than 2.5 million minority families
have become new homeowners. My Administration will
continue to provide counseling and assistance for new
homebuyers and expand homeownership opportunities for
all Americans.

During National Homeownership Month and throughout the
year, we applaud the men and women who work to achieve
the dream of homeownership, and we are grateful for
those who provide counseling, lending, real estate,
construction, and other services to these individuals.
The hard work, financial discipline, and personal
responsibility of our country's homeowners help
transform neighborhoods throughout our Nation and
reflect the best qualities of America.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim June 2006 as National
Homeownership Month. I call upon the people of the
United States to join me in building a more hopeful
society and recognizing the importance of expanding the
ownership of homes across our great Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-fourth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand six, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

(Presidential Sig.)B