NEWS RELEASE

HOUSING AGENCIES SUPPORT COUPLE WHO LOST HOME IN FIRE

Hagerstown, MD June 11, 2007 – On March 9, 2004, Mark and Pam Henry returned home from the Philadelphia Flower Show to find that their home had burned down.  The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical and their homeowner’s insurance was not sufficient to replace the loss of their dwelling.

After renting for 2 years in nearby Waynesboro, PA the Henry’s were able to return to their property to live in a new home that was constructed with the support of Washington County Community Action Agency (WCCAA) and USDA Rural Development.

In recognition of National Homeownership Month - a time when housing agencies across the country join realtors and builders to raise awareness of homeownership and encourage more Americans to reach for the American Dream – federal, state and local officials came together at the Henry’s new home to emphasize the homeownership opportunities that are available and to pay tribute to the couple’s 2 year journey.

“A home is the foundation of our life; it is a place that we find sanctuary and build life’s memories; and for the Henry’s, it is a place that was not going to be forgotten,” said Marlene Elliott, USDA Rural Development State Director.  “Through their dedication and hard work, Pam and Mark were able to return to their property that they have so passionately cared for to live their life’s dream.” 

            USDA Rural Development provided a homeownership loan and WCCAA provided a grant that helped the Henry’s construct a home that is approximately 1,200 square feet on the property that they had lived on for 25 years. 

            “Homeownership is an important issue in Washington County and Washington County Community Action Council is fortunate to have the opportunity to access funds that can assist in providing homeownership in Washington County,” said Dave Jordan, Executive Director, WCCAA. “The relationship with USDA Rural Development truly makes homeownership a reality for a number of county residents.”

           When Mark and Pam Henry found rental housing it was with great disappointment that they learned they could not bring their pets: Nakita, a black lab, and Molly - referred to affectionately by Pam, as a Heinz 57.  The Henry’s were devoted to their pets and made a decision to take the rental housing and to return to their property twice a day to care for their animals. 

          At times, they would pull a pop-up camper onto their property to care for their pets and their landscaping in hopes of someday being able to rebuild and live there again.  They planted many beautiful flower beds, trees, shrubs, and rock gardens around the location of where they dreamed their new home would be.  The Henry’s continued to upkeep their property on summer evenings and weekends while Mr. Henry battled with an illness.

       “A big ‘Thank You’ to the community for all the response in our time of distress,” said Pam Henry.  “Our home is so wonderful and we thank God for the blessing of the people that we worked with and the church family that supported us during our time of need.”

        Mark Henry added, “My advice to anyone out there who thinks they could never be a homeowner is to set your mind on your goals, seek available help and remain diligent.  Don’t give up and you will succeed.”

       USDA Rural Development has a variety of housing programs that can finance new or improved homes for low to moderate income families and individuals who wish to live in rural areas or communities.  The purpose of the programs is to provide financing with no down payment and at favorable rates and terms.  Both direct and guaranteed homeownership loans are offered.  Under the direct loan program, individuals or families receive a loan directly from Rural Development.  Guaranteed loans are made by other lenders, such as banks or mortgage companies, and are guaranteed by Rural Development.

       Today, nearly 70 percent of Americans own their homes, and the rate of minority homeownership has climbed to above 50 percent since 2001 when President George W. Bush took office.  During this same time period, through Rural Development’s financial and technical assistance homeownership programs, the agency has returned more than $475 million of the people’s money in rural Maryland.

     For more information about USDA Rural Development’s housing, business or community facilities programs, please call their office located in Hagerstown at (301) 797-0500, ext. 4 or visit their website at www.rurdev.usda.gov. 

“USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.”

To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.,

 Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).