By CHUCK CLEMONS USDA Rural Development State Director, Florida & US Virgin Islands Ensuring that all people, including families, elderly and disabled residents, living in rural communities have affordable and safe housing has been a top priority of USDA Rural Development for more than 70 years. June is National Homeownership Month — a time to reflect on the important role homeownership plays in American society, especially in rural America. For many of us, being able to go to sleep each night in a safe and comfortable home is something we take for granted. However, this is not the case for many rural Americans. Homeownership is a bedrock of the American economy, helping to increase jobs, boost demand for goods and services and build prosperity. How many times have you considered homeownership a part of rural economic development? The truth is, without affordable, safe and adequate housing for rural residents, economic development will struggle to succeed. While this development can mean so many things, at its foundation is a community's ability to provide its residents with decent, safe and affordable housing. So far this year, Rural Development has invested $1.7 billion nationwide to help more than 21,000 families buy a home. This investment is part of the reason the homeownership rate for non-metropolitan areas is 76.1-percent compared to 68.8-percent nationwide. Rural Development's housing programs finance new or improved housing with no down payment and at favorable rates and terms for low- to moderate-income families and individuals who wish to live in rural areas or communities. Both guaranteed and direct homeownership loans are offered. Under the direct loan program, individuals or families receive a loan directly from Rural Development. Guaranteed loans are made by other lenders, such as banks or credit unions, and are guaranteed by our agency. One of the most exciting housing programs offered by Rural Development is Self-Help housing. Participants, organized in groups of six to 10 families, utilize their own labor to reduce the total construction costs of their homes. These families not only build their own homes, but create tight-knit communities as they complete their homes together. We fund nonprofit groups who carry out local Self-Help housing programs, pay salaries, administrative expenses, and even costs of purchasing of essential equipment such as power tools for the families to use. In addition to helping with homeownership, we also have loans and grants available to help low-income families and the elderly make needed house repairs so that they can remain in their own home. Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities and to helping as many people as possible achieve the American Dream. This month we are proud to celebrate homeownership and the role it plays providing security for children, stabilizing neighborhoods and helping to create stronger communities. For information about USDA Rural Development housing, business or community development programs please call 352-338-3400, visit our web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/fl or stop by a Rural Development office. |
