Outline Of Need:

Summer Kenner needed more space to raise her active family in Alamo, Tennessee.

How Rural Development Helped:

Rural Development Specialist Tyler Hayes helped Kenner apply for a home loan and get over an unexpected bump on the road to homeownership.

The Results:

In the small town of Alamo in rural Crockett County Tennessee, Summer Kenner worked a long time before she found a way to purchase a home for her family. Their rental house provided a roof over their heads, but she said, "More space was needed inside and out," as 16 year old high school junior Dakota, 13 year old freshman Charles and 10 year old fifth-grader Kiara continue to become more active as they grow. But, even with a full time job at a local convenience store and child support, raising three children left little at the end of the month to save toward a down payment.

Kenner heard that the staff at Rural Development is a good source of help for people navigating their way toward homeownership for the first time. When she met Specialist Tyler Hayes she began to have hope.

Hayes helped her prepare for homeownership and helped her through the sometimes daunting application process. After some time searching, Kenner found a home that was perfect for her needs in almost every way. Unfortunately, the heating and air conditioning system did not pass inspection. With a little more work, Hayes found a silver lining in the storm cloud. “In the end we were able to include the cost of a brand new, more efficient HVAC system, in the home loan,” explained Hayes.

Lower utility bills and RD’s low interest rate and affordable terms kept the monthly payments in reach for this hard working mother of three. "Now my whole family has room to grow, and I’m building an investment for the future," said Kenner."

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 TDD (615) 783-1397.