The concept of "affordable housing" is vague and often misunderstood by many people, including local government officials. When they hear the term, they tend to conjure up images of public housing projects that exist in many urban areas in the not-so-distant past. This concept in many ways was seen as a way of institutionalizing the poor.

Today, affordable housing takes on a whole new complexion. Most homes, duplexes, condominiums and apartments are attractive, well built and maintained. They are interspersed in a variety of neighborhoods in both urban and rural communities, and usually house families of mixed incomes.

In addition to a safe and decent environment, affordable housing provides independence, security and instills pride to working families, elderly and disabled people, who otherwise might not be able to afford a home of their own.

THDA's 19-member Board has accepted the challenge of making sure that each and every Tennessean has a chance at a better quality of life; through the work of the Bond Finance Committee, Grants Committee, Policy and Programs Committee and the Board meetings.

The bottom line is it will be through our continued commitment to seek out new ways to provide low and moderate-income families across our state with a feeling of security that can only be found in a safe and decent home that Tennessee will grow to be a state of homeowners.