Kathy Beisner (302) 697-4300
(302) 270-5767
Hooper’s Island, MD June 7, 2004 – Louella Ruark is one of many Hooper’s Island residents that suffered the consequences of Hurricane Isabel last September that has continued to leave many on the Island waiting for help. USDA Rural Development is working to turn the tide in this troubled community by providing assistance to homeowners who are still in need of aid. “The citizens of Hooper’s Island were hit especially hard by Hurricane Isabel,” said Senator Paul S. Sarbanes. “The funds from USDA Rural Development are important for those Isabel victims living on fixed incomes that do not have flood insurance, and need help to recover and rebuild.”
A celebration took place at the Ruark home when officials from across the State and Washington, DC joined Pastor Joe Kelly and Jim Michael of the Eastern Shore Interfaith Recovery Team to recognize the recovery that has taken place and the work that is left to be done. “USDA Rural Development's Housing Program is a hand up, not a handout, for victims of natural disasters like Hurricane Isabel," said Senator Barbara A. Mikulski. "I'm so proud of the work this program has done to help Marylanders rebuild, especially in the Hooper's Island area."
Louella Ruark had not heard of Rural Development until her daughter, Melody found the agency on the Internet. “Our agency and programs are often not thought of when it comes to helping with home repairs or an opportunity to own a home,” said Marlene Elliott, USDA Rural Development State Director. “We are here today to change that impression and to show an example of the work that we can do. On behalf of the Bush Administration, Rural Development’s mission is to improve the quality of life in rural communities. Helping victims recover from a natural disaster and to return them to a place that they have always called home represents the true spirit of our agency.” Louella Ruark lost her 50-year old home, which had been built by her late husband, during Hurricane Isabel. She lived in a FEMA trailer for many months until her new home was ready for occupancy. Standing in front of her new home at her side is her loyal companion Magnum, a Golden Retriever. “It was our hope to move in at Christmas, but it wasn’t ready until January or February; so much has happened, I’ve lost track of time,” stated Louella Ruark.
Rural Development has been aggressively reaching out to individuals and families to lend a hand. In the Hoopersville, Fishing Creek, Lake and Straits, and Crapo areas the agency reported that over 30 applications have been received requesting assistance. It is estimated across the State that over 200 people are still living in FEMA trailers with many more who are suffering damages to their homes.
USDA Rural Development can help people buy, build, rent or repair a home in areas with a population of 10,000 people or less. No down payment is required. The home repair program is available to very low-income homeowners. In Dorchester County very low-income is defined as about $19,200 annually depending on the number of people in the household and other factors. Repair loans can be made for amounts up to $20,000, a maximum of 20 years repayment period, and at an interest rate of one percent annually. Individuals 62 years or older may qualify for a grant in cases where an individual lacks the financial ability to repay a loan.
Last year, with the help of Rural Development’s home repair program over $600,000 helped 78 homeowners in Maryland to remove health and safety hazards from their homes.
Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available by calling the local Rural Development office located in Denton, MD at (410) 479-1202, ext. 4, or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
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USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider, and Employer. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to:
USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410.