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17 June 2025 June 2025 » C O V E R S T O R Y been focused on—keeping the home and passing it on to your heirs to build generational wealth." Schwartz added that he also advises potential homeowners that the sooner they get into a home, the sooner they can be building equi- ty—equity they will lose out on if they wait for mortgage interest rates to drop. Additionally, if rates drop, the prices of homes will likely rise. Beyond the existing programs, See recommended that policymakers should also consider legislation that limits investor penetration in certain markets, to help level the playing field for individuals and families trying to purchase a home to live in—not as an investment property. "Increased tax incentives for first-time homebuyers could encour- age more people to enter the market sooner," See added. "Likewise, offering tax incentives to sellers and builders who prioritize homes for first-time buyers could boost inven- tory in the price ranges where it's needed most. Finally, we need more specialized training and education in low- to moderate-income areas— both around homeownership and broader neighborhood revitaliza- tion. Helping people understand the process and empowering them to invest in their communities is key to creating sustainable, long-term homeownership opportunities." While today's housing land- scape poses significant challenges, it also offers an opportunity to rethink and reshape the path to homeownership. Real progress will require continued collaboration across the public and private sectors, robust investment in education and affordability initiatives, and policy reforms that empower individuals to become homeowners in responsible and sustainable ways. With the right tools and support, the dream of owning a home can endure, not as a fading promise of the past, but as a renewed reality for future genera- tions. 1 . Innovative Housing Showcase HUD Sec. Scott Turner announced that the Department's Innovative Housing Showcase will return to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., from September 6-10. This year's showcase will highlight history-defining events in housing, the pride of achieving the American Dream of homeownership, and the future of housing innovation, in accordance with President Trump's Executive Order (EO) celebrating America's 250th Birthday. The annual public event raises awareness of innovative and affordable housing designs and technologies that have the potential to increase housing supply, reduce barriers to construction, and build for stability while reducing housing expenses for owners and renters. Interactive exhibits will include full-sized prototype homes and innovative building technologies. "I am thrilled to welcome back the Innovative Housing Showcase to the National Mall as we commemorate 250 years of American independence. During this special celebration we will remember through the decades, the American Dream of homeownership ties generations together and is a core part of our nation's excellence," Secretary Turner said. "In accordance with President Trump's inspirational vision for Salute to America 250, HUD is proud to highlight housing solutions that honor our past while building a strong, bright future for American homeownership. I look forward to seeing the talented exhibitors in Washington and presenting what I know will be a remarkable showcase to the American people." 2 . More Than $10 Million Allotted to House Families and Youth HUD awarded more than $10 million in Family Unification Program (FUP) voucher assistance funding for youth and families who lack safe and adequate housing. The award funds 573 vouchers at 11 public housing agencies (PHAs) across four states. "A pathway to self-sufficiency is now one step closer as HUD works with localities to provide flexible funding for rental assistance and supportive services to foster youth and to keep foster-care-involved families together," Secretary Scott Turner said. "This commitment from HUD will help lay the groundwork for a future with greater opportunity and strong family values." Under FUP, PHAs partner with public child welfare agencies and Continuums of Care to provide Housing Choice Voucher assistance to two groups: • Families for whom the lack of adequate housing is a primary factor in placing children in out-of-home care, or families for whom the lack of adequate housing is the primary factor in the delay in a child's reunification with the family. • Youth 18 to 24 years of age (who have not reached their 25th birthday) who left foster care—or will within 180 days—and are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. Families and youth may use the vouchers provided through FUP to lease decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private housing market. In addition to rental assistance, supportive services must be provided to youth for 36 months, such as personal finance education, job preparation, educational counseling, and proper nutrition and meal preparation. 3 . More Than $1.1 Billion for Affordable Housing in Tribal Communities Sec. Scott Turner announced more than $1.1 billion in Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) funding for eligible Native American Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) to carry out affordable housing activities in Indian Country. "From day one, HUD has been engaged on alleviating affordable housing challenges facing urban, rural, and Tribal communities. Today's announcement reaffirms our commitment to serve Tribal communities while working towards meeting Indian Country's housing needs," Sec. Turner said. "HUD has a strong partnership with Tribal nations, and I look forward to collaborating directly with Tribal leaders to expand housing opportunities and remove burdensome regulatory barriers that impede progress." The IHBG program is a formula grant that provides a range of affordable housing activities in Tribal communities. Eligible activities include housing development, operation and modernization of existing housing, housing services to eligible families and individuals, crime prevention and safety, and model activities. How HUD Is Working to Aid Housing & Homeownership