@@Last month, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack kicked off National Homeownership Month with events highlighting USDA’s success in increasing rural homeownership. Vilsack said this year’s Homeownership Month theme is “Rural Housing/Rural Jobs.” In South Dakota, many activities were highlighted across the state. A continuation of this includes an Affordable Housing Outreach Meeting scheduled July 14, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 at the Codington County Extension Center in Watertown. You are invited to attend to learn about housing opportunities.

Housing plays an important role 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.

“Housing drives rural economies and supports healthy rural communities,” Vilsack said. “About 50 million Americans call rural areas home, and safe, sanitary housing is a basic human need in rural America. USDA Rural Development’s housing programs do more than provide a place for families to live. They stimulate economic activity through single-family home construction, rental assistance for those who need it, and funding for eligible very-low-income homeowners to enable them to keep their dwellings in good repair.”

“Lenders, real estate companies, non-profit housing agencies, contractors, and all other businesses are encouraged to participate,’ said State Director Elsie M. Meeks. “This is the fifteenth year USDA Rural Development has participated in Homeownership Month Activities.”

Along with USDA Rural Development, NESDEC and ICAP are also partners in this effort. Rural Development Manager Jeane Simley and Rural Development Specialist Diane Byer, along with other area staff will be on hand to provide assistance at the event. USDA Rural Development has eight offices in the state that assist rural communities. Office locations include a state office in Huron, along with area offices in Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Yankton.

USDA, under its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a network of 6,100 employees located in 500 national, state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $134 billion in loans and loan guarantees.