May 16, 2008, 12:00 a.m. -

The Housing Authority of Prince George's County this month received the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials' "Award of Excellence" for its innovative and successful Section 8 homeownership program. 

 

"Homeownership is an attainable goal for all of the citizens in Prince George's County, that creates wealth for families and allows them to have a vested interest in the communities they choose to live," said Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson.  "We are committed to ensuring everyone capable and willing to buy their own home has the means and is able to see their dream become reality."

 

The county's housing authority received the award on May 6.

 

Earlier this year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development also recognized the Housing Authority with an award for the success of the county's homeownership program.

 

The Section 8 homeownership program targets voucher holders interested in becoming first time homeowners. Since its inception two years ago, the program has helped 52 Section 8 families to become homeowners. The basic concept of the program is to redirect the monthly subsidy that normally goes to a landlord to a mortgage lender.