Ronald Reagan

“ The Nation as a whole suffers, since thriving neighborhoods are the living cells of our national life. That is why it is so important to arrest the deterioration and revive the strength and vigor of America's neighborhoods.
Traditionally, Americans have recognized such problems and have worked together to develop practical solutions at the grass-roots level. Neighborhood Housing Services programs, which are partnerships made up of local residents, business leaders, and government officials, reflect this spirit and give scope to the ingenuity of the American people. ”

“ As we complete our preparations for the national celebration of the centennial of the Statue of Liberty this July 4, we are made even more aware of the special blessings, the strengths, and the virtues that flow from our long heritage of welcoming and drawing on the experiences of people from diverse backgrounds to make our free society ever more dynamic, cohesive, and productive. ”

“ When any neighborhood suffers from decline due to loss of business or other factors, all of its residents feel the pinch, but the elderly and the poor suffer most. Homes decline in value, economic growth stops, businesses relocate, and residents face real hardships. ”