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NEWS RELEASE 1303
SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka,
KS 66604-4040 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 9, 2005
Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701
Mennonite Housing Rehabilitation Services
Receives USDA Recognition
Valley Center , KS . – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks today recognized Wichita-based Mennonite Housing Rehabilitation Services, Inc. for their participation in the Agency’s rural housing programs as a Faith-Based Partner. Mennonite Housing Rehabilitation Services has been a participant in USDA Rural Development’s Mutual Self-Help Housing Program since 1997, helping to provide affordable housing opportunities to Sedgwick County residents through the Program. The announcement was made in conjunction with USDA’s celebration of National Homeownership Month.
During the recognition ceremony, State Director Banks remarked, “Mennonite Housing Rehabilitation Services, Inc. is an outstanding faith-based organization that excels in assisting minority and low-income homeownership applicants in rural Kansas . Over the past eight years Mennonite Housing Rehabilitation Services has assisted in the construction of over fifty Mutual Self-Help Housing Program homes, with an additional thirty-six planned for this year. President Bush has stressed the goal of expanding the level of homeownership in our Nation, and has stated that t he faith-based community is doing fantastic work in achieving that goal. Further, homeownership is an i mportant first step to enjoying personal economic prosperity.”
Andy Bias, President & CEO of Mennonite Housing Rehabilitation Services stated, “We appreciate the support from USDA Rural Development, both through a technical assistance grant and home loan financing, to help expand homeownership opportunities. Mennonite Housing Rehabilitation Services looks forward to a long and continued successful partnership with the Agency.”
State Director Banks further commented during the presentation, “Supporting critically needed economic development opportunities for rural Kansas is directly tied to increasing the availability of affordable housing. USDA Rural Development in Kansas helps over 6,000 Kansans annually to secure either individual homeownership or multi-family housing residency. Mennonite Housing Rehabilitation Services has played a significant role in assisting the Agency’s single-family loan program customers.”
A representative from the office of U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt also participated in today’s ceremony. Congressman Tiahrt is a strong supporter of USDA Rural Development’s programs, including efforts to provide more affordable housing for rural Kansas .
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs that support increasing economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life of rural Am eric ans. 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 Am eric a . For additional information regarding all USDA Rural Development programs, individuals may contact the Agency’s Newton office at 316-283-0370 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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