Ginnie Mae, or the Government National Mortgage Association, is a U.S. government agency that helps support the housing market. It does this by guaranteeing mortgage-backed securities, which are investments made up of home loans. This guarantee encourages lenders to provide more loans, making it easier for people to buy homes. Founded in 1968, Ginnie Mae plays a crucial role in promoting affordable housing. By ensuring that investors receive timely payments, it attracts more capital into the mortgage market. This, in turn, helps lower interest rates for borrowers, making homeownership more accessible to many Americans.