[Video begins in progress]
[In progress] -- that's been a huge priority for us is to stay focused on the mission, focused on the people that we've been called to serve. And so, when the shutdown came, that was a huge deal for us is to stay laser-focused on where we are. And so, now that we're back, we've hit the ground running. Momentum is picking up. We've done a lot of great things at HUD prior to the shutdown, and tearing down regulations to help housing affordability, to FHA loans, 630,000 FHA loans since the president took office, and 330,000 of those are first-time home buyers.
And so, we have a lot of momentum going, and now we're working obviously on our foster youth program with the first lady and our homelessness initiatives that are coming up. And so, we're happy to be back. Not excited that the shutdown happened, but you know what, that's gone. Today is a new day and we thank God that we're able to get back and serve the American people.
I just watched the event regarding the foster initiative, foster care initiative. What would you tell young people out there who are in foster care, who are struggling right now trying to advance their life to get an education, get a job? It's a very difficult situation to be in. Thousands of kids are in it. They struggle year in and year out.
What would your advice be to foster kids?
Well, I would tell all of our kids in America today who are our next generation of leaders, but in particular our foster kids that are aging out of foster care, is the event today is to show America and to show you that the first lady, the president, the second lady, vice president, myself, and others across this administration, faith-based organizations and private sector partners, not only do we see you but we want you to know that you will not be forgotten, that we're coming together to make sure that as you age out of foster care, that your pathway to success, be it in education, be it in entrepreneurship, be it in housing, sustainability, and financial literacy from a HUD standpoint, we are here to help you, because you are the next generation of leaders, and we want to make sure that you're prepared to take this baton of leadership and to lead America into the next generation.
Finally, you mentioned faith-based institutions play a critical role in helping foster kids. Which specifically would you say regarding that? How do they help?
Well, our faith-based entities across America are the ones that have their hands to the plow. They have their feet on the ground across America. The churches of America literally are coming alongside of our youth on a day in and day out basis, many of whom we don't know. They don't receive credit for it. But I've seen personally our faith-based entities that are coming and to bolster our foster youth.
It's happening all around the country. And so, I would say to all of our faith-based entities thank you for what you're doing. Thank you for answering the bell. Thank you for answering the call. Jeremiah 29:11 says this, "'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future.'" That's my life verse.
Someone gave that verse to me at the University of Illinois when I was a freshman, and it really encouraged me to know because of the situation I came out of from my family and divorce and brokenness, and I had people come around me and they gave me this scripture in Jeremiah. It reminded me that God in heaven has a plan for me, no matter what my circumstances are, no matter where I came from, no matter what I face.
And so, I tell the foster youth today, hey, there's a great purpose and a plan for you. Run out to the Lord and go get it.
Secretary, thank you very much. Appreciate it.
God bless you.