National Homeownership Month, 2008

Proclamation 8263 of May 29, 2008

National Homeownership Month, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For many Americans, owning a home represents freedom,
independence, and the American dream. During National
Homeownership Month, we highlight the benefits of
owning a home and encourage our fellow citizens to be
responsible homeowners.

My Administration is committed to helping Americans
achieve their dreams of homeownership. We have worked
to ensure that the mortgage industry is more
transparent, reliable, and fair, and in order to
sustain homeownership, we have launched initiatives to
help responsible homeowners keep their homes. The
FHASecure program has given the Federal Housing
Administration more flexibility in refinancing
mortgages for homeowners who have good credit histories
but cannot afford their current payments. In addition,
the HOPE NOW Alliance connects struggling homeowners
with lenders, loan servicers, and mortgage counselors
to help families stay in their homes. Homeowners
deserve our help, and these initiatives assist those in
need.

During National Homeownership Month and throughout the
year, I encourage all Americans to take advantage of
financial education opportunities to explore
homeownership. My Advisory Council on Financial
Literacy is finding ways to help educate people from
all walks of life about matters pertaining to their
finances and their futures. By practicing fiscal
responsibility, Americans can contribute to the
strength of our neighborhoods and our country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim June 2008 as National
Homeownership Month. I call upon the people of the
United States to join me in recognizing the importance
of homeownership and building a more prosperous future
for themselves and their communities.

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