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NEWS RELEASE 1303
SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka,
KS 66604-4040 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 8, 2004
Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701
USDA
Rural Development Funded Housing
Project Dedicated In Valley Center
Valley Center, KS. – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks today joined six families who have just completed building their homes in dedication ceremonies by participating in the Agency’s Mutual Self-Help Housing Program. Also present for the ceremony were officials from Mennonite Housing Rehabilitation Services, Inc. of Wichita, USDA Rural Development’s technical assistance partner for the Mutual Self-Help Housing Program in south-central Kansas.
During the ceremonies, State Director Banks commented, “USDA Rural Development has a long history of providing funding assistance to improve housing 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 continues to provide funding and technical assistance support for achieving this goal through the Agency’s Mutual Self-Help Housing Program and Single-Family Housing Loan Program.
“Our family is so thankful for the opportunity to participate in USDA Rural Development’s housing program. This is more than we expected. USDA Rural Development’s programs are truly a blessing,” remarked John Hart, a family member who co-built his home with his wife and participated in today’s dedication event.
State Director Banks also commented during today’s ceremony, “To date, through the partnership with Mennonite Housing Rehabilitation Services, Inc. of Wichita, USDA Rural Development’s Mutual Self-Help Housing Program had resulted in fifty-two families constructing their own home in Valley Center and Goddard. Six more families will begin constructing their homes in Maize this fall. USDA Rural Development has invested nearly $6 million in taxpayer supported loans to support this important home-building effort in Sedgwick County alone.”
As a condition of the Program, future homeowners are required to personally supply 65% of the labor to construct their house. 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 120 new single-family homes.
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 785-271-2702 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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