Topeka, KS. – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks announced that the Agency will be hosting a series of educational workshops to assist individuals interested in buying a home. Rural Development is partnering with the FHLBank of Topeka to provide this service to the state’s rural citizens.

"Homeownership strengthens our rural communities and improves the overall quality of life for families. Homeownership is also a key component to establishing personal prosperity. USDA Rural Development wishes to work with community organizations, local lenders and individual residents to increase the opportunity for rural homeownership," commented State Director Banks.

In announcing the sixteen workshops to be held across Kansas during the months of March though June, Banks thanked the FHLBank of Topeka and the local communities for their assistance in organizing the educational sessions.

State Director Banks encouraged individuals interested in attending one of the sessions to contact their local USDA Rural Development office, or they may call the State Headquarters at 785-271-2702. The complete schedule of the workshops is available on the state's Rural Development website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks.

Rural Development is the economic development agency for USDA, and the lead federal entity for rural development. For additional information, you may log onto the state's Rural Development website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks, or e-mail the Agency at 2002farmbillRD@ks.usda.gov

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