IV 

110TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. CON. RES. 383 

Recognizing the importance of homeownership for Americans. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

JUNE 26, 2008 

Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN (for herself and Mr. BLUNT) submitted the following 

concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Financial 

Services 

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 

Recognizing the importance of homeownership for Americans. 

Whereas the United States promotes and encourages the creation and revitalization of sustainable and strong neighborhoods in partnership with States, cities, and local 

communities, and in conjunction with the independent 

and collective actions of private citizens and organizations; 

Whereas establishing a housing infrastructure strengthens 

neighborhoods and local economies and nurtures the families who reside in them; 

Whereas an integral element of a strong community is a sufficient supply of affordable housing; 

Whereas affordable housing may be provided in many forms, 

including apartment buildings, transitional and temVerDate Aug 31 2005 03:38 Jun 27, 2008 Jkt 069200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HC383.IH HC383

smartinez on PROD1PC64 with BILLS
2 

•HCON 383 IH 

porary homes, condominiums, cooperatives, and single 

family homes; 

Whereas, for many families, a home is not merely shelter, but 

also provides an opportunity for growth, prosperity, and 

security; 

Whereas homeownership spurs the production and sale of 

goods and services, generates new jobs, encourages savings and investment, promotes economic and civic responsibility, and enhances the financial security of all people 

in the United States; 

Whereas although the United States is the first nation in the 

world to make owning a home a reality for the vast majority of families, one-third of homeowners in the United 

States are severely cost-burdened homeowners; 

Whereas Habitat for Humanity is able to sell homes to working families at 30 percent to 60 percent of median income; 

Whereas the community-building activities of neighborhoodbased nonprofit organizations empower individuals to improve their lives and make communities safer and 

healthier for families; 

Whereas one of the best-known nonprofit housing organizations is Habitat for Humanity, which builds simple but 

adequate housing for less fortunate families and symbolizes the self-help approach to homeownership; 

Whereas studies show that home ownership has a positive impact on the lives of family members, including improved 

physical and mental health; 

Whereas Habitat for Humanity is organized in all 50 States 

and the District of Columbia; 


smartinez on PROD1PC64 with BILLS
3 

•HCON 383 IH 

Whereas Habitat for Humanity has built over 275,000 

houses worldwide and endeavors to complete another 

100,000 homes by the end of 2009; 

Whereas Habitat for Humanity provides opportunities for 

people from every segment of society to volunteer to help 

make the American dream a reality for families who otherwise would not own a home; and 

Whereas June has been designated National Homeownership 

Month: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 

2 concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that— 

3 (1) everyone in the United States should have 

4 a decent home in which to live; 

5 (2) Members of the House of Representatives 

6 and Senate should demonstrate the importance of 

7 volunteerism; 

8 (3) during the 110th, 111th, and 112th Con9 gresses, Members of the House of Representatives 

10 and Senate are encouraged to participate in Con11 gress Building America, a program in which con12 gressional delegations work with Habitat for Hu13 manity affiliates to build homes in their districts and 

14 States; and 

15 (4) these occasions should be used to emphasize 

16 and focus on the importance of providing decent 

17 homes for all people in the United States. 

Æ 


smartinez on PROD1PC64 with BILLS