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NEWS RELEASE 1303
SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka,
KS 66604-4040 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 30, 2005
Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701
Mennonite Housing Services Awarded
Wichita , KS . – USDA
Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks today recognized Wichita-based
Mennonite Housing Rehabilitation Services, Inc. for their accomplishments
in expanding homeownership opportunities by awarding the nonprofit $354,000
in technical assistance funding to support their continued participation
in the Agency’s Mutual Self-Help
Housing Program. In partnership with USDA Rural Development, over the
past five years Mennonite Housing Rehabilitation Services has assisted in
the ‘homeowner-participating’ construction of over fifty houses
in Sedgwick County, with over thirty five additional single-family residences
planned.
During the funding presentation ceremony, State Director Banks remarked, “USDA
Rural Development has a long history of providing assistance to improve homeownership
opportunities in rural Kansas . President Bush has stressed the goal of expanding
homeownership in our Nation, and the important link it represents to economic
prosperity. USDA Rural Development provides funding and technical assistance
to support achieving this important goal, through the Agency’s Mutual
Self-Help Housing Program and Single-Family Housing Loan Program.”
As
a condition of the Mutual Self-Help Housing Program, future
homeowners are required to personally supply 65% of their own labor to construct
their house. Working in individual/family groups of 5-8 participants, future
homeowners collectively work together, and all the residences must be completed
before the new homes can be occupied. USDA Rural Development provides technical
assistance funding to a qualified nonprofit to oversee the home construction,
along with loan funding to the eligible home owner. Statewide, with the assistance
of four non-profit housing partners, USDA Rural Development’s Mutual
Self-Help Housing Program has resulted in the construction of over 125
new single-family homes.
State Director Banks also commented during today’s
ceremony, “This
is a tremendous homeownership program. With the assistance of the Agency’s
outstanding partners, including Mennonite Housing Rehabilitation Services,
USDA Rural Development’s Mutual Self-Help Housing Program builds
homes, neighborhoods, and communities. Most importantly, fifty-two families
have constructed their own home in Valley Center and Goddard. Six additional
families are currently constructing houses, with plans to break ground on
thirty more homes this year. This valuable program helps many families realize
their dream of homeownership.”
Andy Bias , President and CEO of Mennonite
Housing Rehabilitation Services remarked, “We appreciate the support
from USDA Rural Development to expand homeownership opportunities. Mennonite
Housing Rehabilitation Services looks forward to a long and continued successful
partnership with the Agency.”
A representative from the office of U.S.
Senator Sam Brownback also participated in today’s funding presentation.
Brownback has been a strong supporter of USDA Rural Development’s efforts
to provide more affordable housing across rural Kansas .
USDA Rural Development’s
mission is to deliver programs that support increasing economic opportunities
and enhancing the quality of life of rural Americans. As a venture capital
entity, USDA Rural Development 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
785-271-2700 or log onto the Agency’s website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks
USDA Rural Development – Committed to the future of rural communities.
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