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Welcome to the Illinois Website for USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development in Illinois operates federal loan programs designed to strengthen rural businesses, finance new and improved rural housing, develop community facilities and support development of water and waste disposal systems, telecommunications and utilities. We provide financing for over 35 programs that serve people in rural Illinois through guaranteed loans, direct loans and grants.
Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack Kicks off National Homeownership Month in
Illinois
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, center, visited Advocates for Access in Peoria Heights Monday to kick off the agency’s Homeownership Month activities. Flanking the Secretary at the event are (l to r) homeowner John Paxton, Advocates for Access Executive Director Melody Reynolds, USDA Rural Development Housing Director Barry Ramsey and homeowner Raymond Parks. |
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack
kicked off National Homeownership Month June 1 at a rural housing
roundtable in Peoria Heights, Ill., to discuss USDA's rural
homeownership programs. The roundtable took place at Advocates for
Access, a local organization that helps persons with disabilities become
homeowners. "Homeownership remains the foundation by which families and communities lay claim to the American dream," Vilsack said. "USDA's efforts will not only provide opportunity and security to homeowners, the injection of funding into communities will help stimulate local economies and create jobs." USDA's housing programs are helping more people than ever. USDA provided homeownership loans to more than 72,000 rural Americans last year, a record number that included more than 4,200 homebuyers in Illinois.At the event, Vilsack highlighted three people who realized their dream of homeownership through Rural Development’s housing program and its collaboration with Advocates for Access. Raymond Parks from Astoria had the challenge of finding a home that could accommodate his disabilities. Support from Advocates for Access and a low cost loan from Rural Development helped him finance a home that was accessible. He was able to move from a nursing home and live independently in a home of his own. John Payton from Canton and Brett Murphy, soon to own a home in Bartonville, also commented on the value of being able to own their own homes. |
