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NEWS RELEASE 1303
SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka,
KS 66604-4040 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 10, 2004
Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701
USDA
Rural Development Honors
Kansas Homeownership Partners
Topeka,
KS. – USDA Rural
Development State Director Chuck Banks, in remarks following a state-wide
tour of the Agency’s housing projects, congratulated six partners for their
assistance in significantly expanding homeownership opportunities. The Agency’s
Rural Homeownership Success Tour, which was held this week, was conducted
in conjunction with the celebration of National Homeownership Month.
“Outstanding efforts are being undertaken across rural Kansas to enhance the
opportunity for individuals and families to own their home. Rural homeownership
rates continue to increase. Yet, the available supply of affordable housing
in our rural communities still needs to be expanded. Increasing homeownership
helps to strengthen our families, improves economic development opportunities,
and enhances a community’s overall quality of life, commented State Director
Banks.
During the Rural Homeownership Success Tour, USDA Rural Development honored
several parties as a ‘2004 Outstanding Partner’ for their participation in
the Agency’s single-family housing programs. Those partners recognized were:
Community Participation: City of Great Bend
Homebuyer Education: Consumer Credit Counseling Services; Hays
Lending Participation: Golden Belt Bank; Hays
Minority Participation: United Methodist Mexican-American Ministries; Garden
City
Non-profit Participation: Housing Opportunities, Inc.; Great Bend
Realtor Participation: Lynn Thompson; Liberal
Over the past five years, USDA Rural Development has provided homebuyer education
and financing assistance to more than 5,500 families across Kansas. In addition
to recognizing these partners, Banks also thanked the Kansas Congressional
Delegation for their strong support of the Agency’s numerous community and
economic development programs.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs that will support
increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents.
As a venture capital entity, the Agency provides equity and technical assistance
to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical
community and technology infrastructure in rural America.
For additional information regarding USDA Rural Development programs, individuals may call 785-271-2702 or log onto the state’s Agency’s website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks
USDA Rural Development – Committed to the future of rural communities.
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