June 2022: Homeownership Month

WHEREAS, June is National Homeownership Month, and the State of Michigan is committed to supporting Michiganders in their homeownership goals, from those buying their first homes to those striving to maintain and improve their homes; and,

WHEREAS, in 1995, President William “Bill” Clinton designated one week of June to be National Homeownership Week to increase homeownership across the nation. The observance was expanded to the entire month of June by President George W. Bush in 2002; and,

WHEREAS, homeownership provides individuals and families a safe, stable, and secure place to prosper and thrive; and,

WHEREAS, homeownership is an important financial investment and a source of personal pride, and also contributes to community stability; and,

WHEREAS, from 2018 to April 2022, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority financed 16,282 single family home loans totaling over $1.8 billion; and,

WHEREAS, the state of Michigan also recognizes Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, a non-profit, ecumenical faith-based housing ministry founded in 1993, which seeks to eliminate poverty, lack of housing, and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action; and,

WHEREAS, in addition to building and repairing homes, Habitat for Humanity of Michigan and its affiliates have provided housing counseling and financial education services to hundreds of Michiganders to help them achieve their goals, which may include homeownership; and,

WHEREAS, during this month, we recognize the benefits homeownership brings to families, neighborhoods, and communities across our state and commend the efforts of Habitat for Humanity of Michigan and its network of affiliates who help Michiganders secure homeownership;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 2022 as Homeownership Month in Michigan.