| The endowment also provides a permanent source of funds for addressing long-term industry concerns. Since its inception, it has awarded almost $5 million in grants for housing-related initiatives nationwide. With Countrywide’s gift, the endowment is fast approaching its current goal of raising $25 million. “Countrywide has a long track record of championing the availability of affordable housing, an issue we consider to be one of the largest factors in the homeownership gap that exists for minorities and lower-income individuals and families,” said Angelo Mozilo, the company’s chairman and a trustee of the endowment. “Supporting the National Housing Endowment is an ideal way for Countrywide to participate in the national dialogue on this important issue, give back to communities in need and ultimately provide better housing opportunities for all Americans.” The gift was announced during NAHB’s recent spring board meeting in Washington, D.C. and was commemorated with a ceremony to unveil the Countrywide Conference Room on the ninth floor of the National Housing Center. The formal dedication was led by Stuard and NAHB President Bobby Rayburn and attended by friends of the endowment and representatives from NAHB and Countrywide. At the NAHB board meeting, after conveying the endowment’s thanks to Countrywide for sharing the commitment of the nation’s home builders to expanding homeownership opportunities, Stuard presented Jack L. Haynes, executive vice president of Countrywide’s National Builder Division, with a key to the National Housing Center and a crystal eagle representing NAHB. Photo by David Scavone | 
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