In June of 2002, President George W. Bush proclaimed the month of June to be National Homeownership Month, recognizing the importance of providing all our citizens a chance to achieve the American Dream of homeownership.  He stated that “A home provides shelter and a safe place where families can prosper and children can thrive. For many Americans, their home is an important financial investment, and it can be a source of great personal pride and an important part of community stability.”

The purpose of this recognition is for Americans to learn more about financial management and to explore homeownership opportunities in their communities.  For Realtors®, providing home ownership opportunities is part of their every day, but finding affordable homeownership options can be challenging. Over the past ten years the Long Island Board of Realtors®, Inc. (LIBOR) have sponsored the building of Habitat for Humanity homes across Long Island.  On June 2, 2016, in honor of National Homeownership Month, a team of Realtors® volunteered their time and effort to join HFH in building a home for a deserving family in Bellport.

As an organization LIBOR is committed to assisting New Yorkers in achieving the American Dream of homeownership, and we’re proud to be able to offer our assistance to Habitat for Humanity, whose sole mission is to see these dreams become reality. Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk is an independently operated affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International.   Since 1988, Habitat Suffolk has empowered hundreds of families to achieve their dreams of homeownership through our affordable home ownership program. Habitat Suffolk’s goal is to build an average of 10-12 houses annually, building for as long as needed to make sure every family in Suffolk County has a simple, decent and affordable place to live and call home.

“I have so much gratitude and joy to be able to work alongside my fellow Realtors®, helping a deserving family of four establish a new home that they can grow in and create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.” said LIBOR Public Relations Vice Chairperson Matthew Arnold, who generously volunteers his time and skills at every Realtor® Volunteer Build. 

Making a difference in our communities and touching lives in the neighborhoods in which we serve is what LIBOR's "We're More Than Realtors®" campaign is all about. The “We’re More than Realtors®” campaign was created by LIBOR’s Public Relations Committee in 2006. Through this campaign, LIBOR supports numerous organizations such as Habitat, as well as philanthropic programs and charitable community efforts here across Long Island and throughout the world.