Second step from bottom (center) is Ms. Brandy Russell the Homeowner. Surrounding her are all of the Rural Development Staff that helped with the final landscaping and construction duties during the Volunteer Day held June 15th...

With Lucy the Habitat Wonder Dog as our mascot, a large group of Virginia Rural Development staff assisted on June 15^th, in the completion of the final construction and landscaping duties for Brandy Russell’s home in Ashland, Virginia. Read more »

A volunteer crew helps construct a home in rural Oregon through the USDA Self Help Program.

This month, one of our long-time and valued partners, Umpqua Community Development Corporation (CDC)—soon to be known as Neighborworks Umpqua—in Southwest Oregon, celebrates its 20^th anniversary. It is fitting for this special event to occur during National Homeownership Month, since Umpqua CDC has partnered with USDA Rural Development on numerous affordable housing efforts, as well as economic development projects. This work has had a direct and profound impact on the livability, sustainability and economy of communities here in Southwest Oregon. Read more »

On a chilly, gray morning, under the shadow of the still challenging Nevada economy, more than 70 people gathered in the beautiful Nevada State Capitol building to share with each other why it remains so important to keep the dream of homeownership alive. In the majestic and historic Old Assembly Chambers, homeowners, realtors, and lenders active in USDA Rural Development Direct and Guaranteed Home loan programs participated in a two part event, as Nevada Rural Development State Director Sarah Adler put it: “recognition and revenue.”

Jeff Bishop, a homeowner from Washoe County, won the heart of the crowd with his simple eloquence. Jeff is a high school janitor, a musician, a family man. His wife Brooke and their two daughters, Emma and Rose, stood proudly by him, grinning, showing off their hand-drawn poster of their new home. Read more »

Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager helps prospective homeowner Suzanne Passwaters construct floor joists at a USDA Self Help Housing site on the DelMarVa Peninsula.

June is homeownership month — an opportunity for us to highlight the important role housing plays in creating jobs, maintaining viable rural communities and contributing to the economy. Since the start of the current fiscal year, which began last October 1, USDA Rural Development has financed approximately 80,000 home loans for rural residents. Read more »

“I will always be grateful for the experience and the opportunity USDA RD, with the Mutual Self Help Program, has made possible for me and my sweet grandchildren. It is a dream come true and a prayer answered.” —Regine Lovely, new Oregon homeowner

June is National Homeownership Month, and this year’s theme is “Rural Housing, Rural Jobs” to recognize the housing sector’s significant role in creating jobs, maintaining viable rural communities and contributing to the economy. Read more »

Tonya Clyde, a single mother of two young children was in the process of a divorce and living in a home owned by her soon to be ex-husband.  She needed to find a home for herself, her children, and her 86-year old grandmother.  Since she had always been a stay at home mom and never held a job, she was desperate to find employment and a new home.

With the help of her grandmother to watch the children, Tonya obtained a full-time job as a sales associate.  Becoming employed was a huge accomplishment, and the possibility of owning her own home and providing a better life for her family convinced her to check into USDA’s housing program. Read more »