On Thursday, June 20th at 2 p.m. Lakeylah White, Executive Director of HERE (which stands for Housing, Economic Resources, and Education), joined Heather Steele, mortgage loan officer for Cadence Bank and HERE board member, Alrick Young, Executive Director of Laurel Housing Authority, and Malik Davis Administrative Coordinator for Laurel Housing Authority in celebrating National Homeownership Month.
In recognition of the month, Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee signed a proclamation to proclaim June as National Homeownership Month throughout the city.
“Cities and communities are based on homeownership,” White explained while discussing the importance of the event. “It helps build generational wealth,” she said. White explained that she started HERE to help people learn more about the process of buying a home. She stated that there are a lot of myths that keep people from making the leap into homeownership. For example, some believe that they have to be married or have a high income to qualify for a mortgage or that a mortgage payment would be higher than rent. Oftentimes, it is lower.
White also helps people who, for whatever reason, live in a home that they don’t completely own. For example, someone may live in a home that was owned by a relative but they never changed the title over. In these cases, the resident cannot sell the home, get grant funding to make repairs, or anything else. White helps families in these situations get a clear title on the home they have.
Over the last several years, the city has worked with White and her Grants Unlimited organization to help homeowners in the city to apply for and receive several grants for home repair.
More on the city’s efforts to help local homeowners can be found here:
The proclamation read as follows:
Whereas, June is recognized as National Homeownership Month in the United States of America, and this annual observance is dedicated to recognizing the importance of homeownership and its significant impact on individuals, families, and communities across our nation; and
Whereas, Homeownership has long been considered an integral part of the American dream, representing stability, financial security, and the opportunity for personal growth; and
Whereas, Homeownership serves as a cornerstone for building strong communities and empowering individuals to achieve their aspirations; and
Whereas, During National Homeownership Month, we encourage everyone to celebrate the value of owning a home and to reflect on the countless benefits it brings. It is a time to acknowledge the obstacles that aspiring homeowners can face and to work collectively to overcome them. Whether it is the lack of affordable housing or saving for a down payment, we must join forces to create an environment where homeownership is accessible to all; and
Whereas, The City of Laurel is helping existing homeowners remain in their homes by providing resources for low-income families to receive necessary home repairs and/or rebuilding substandard housing with funds made available through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and
Whereas, Through partnerships with housing organizations, real estate professionals, financial institutions, and community leaders, we can provide resources, education, and support to individuals aspiring to become homeowners. Together, we can empower individuals and families to achieve their dreams of homeownership and contribute to the overall well-being of our communities.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Johnny Magee, Mayor of the City of Laurel, Mississippi, do hereby proclaim June as HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH 2024 in the City of Laurel. By promoting access to affordable housing, empowering aspiring homeowners, and fostering vibrant communities, we can continue to strengthen the foundation of the American dream.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I HAVE HEREUNTO SET MY HAND AND CAUSED THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI, TO BE AFFIXED THIS THE 20th DAY OF JUNE, 2024.
