"Many people have lived in their public housing units and paid rent for years but have not been able to build equity in their homes. This legislation would give them the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of homeownership," said Catania.

The "Own Your Own Home Act of 2007" requires the D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA) to submit a plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development outlining its plans sell 10% of its single-family dwellings within 2 years.

The purchase price will be based on affordability, meaning that the total of mortgage payments, insurance, estimated utilities, maintenance, and other regularly incurred costs of homeownership will not exceed the sum of 35 percent of the purchaser's adjusted income and any subsidy available for such payments. The purchaser will be required to complete a homeownership-counseling program to occupy the homes they purchase.

"These types of efforts have been successful across the country. I am optimistic that we will see a number of families who are empowered economically through this legislation," said Catania.