HUD Official Keynotes Native American Homeownership Fair

Chicago - Sharon Taylor, a single-mother of five, who works for the Center For Neighborhood Technology, probably never thought of herself as Superwoman but lately she has been feeling very empowered.  The reason is that Ms. Taylor is on the verge of becoming a first-time homeowner because of a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) home loan guarantee program created specifically for Native Americans.  Taylor, a member of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin, and a long-time Chicago resident, will be the first to use the program in the state of Illinois.

Orlando Cabrera, HUD Assistant Secretary for the Office of Public and Indian Housing, introduced Taylor and her daughter, Stephanie, today at the opening of Chicago's First Native American Homeownership Fair. This is one of many events held this month across the U.S. to celebrate June as National Homeownership Month.

"Buying a home is the primary wealth-building asset to most American families," said Cabrera, who keynoted the housing fair's opening.  "Ms. Taylor should be proud to take this bold step for her family and HUD's goal is for more Native Americans to take advantage of this program that will allow them to enjoy the American Dream of homeownership."

Joining Cabrera were James Denomie of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa and Wendy K. White Eagle of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin and a number of lenders, vendors and local entities that support housing for Native American people. Read more at hud.gov