NEWS RELEASE USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT PUERTO RICO

Media Contact: Miguel Ramirez
Phone: 787-859-2880 ext. 118
E-Mail: miguel.ramirez@pr.usda.gov

USDA AWARDS $100,000 TO CEIBA HOUSING NON-PROFIT CORPORATION

     San Juan, Puerto Rico, October 27, 2004--José A. Otero-García, State Director for USDA Rural Development, announced a $100,000 grant to Ceiba Housing.

     This is a Technical and Supervisory Assistance Grant that will be used to provide Ceiba Housing Corporation funds to assist rural families in purchasing their first home through homeownership counseling.

     Otero-García indicated that these funds will help the municipalities of Ceiba, Culebra, Fajardo, Luquillo, Naguabo, and Vieques. This grant is another proof of the commitment President Bush's Administration has with the rural residents of our country.

     Ceiba Housing Corporation is a non profit organization that provides home packaging and delinquency counseling and related activities for prospective housing applicants. And now is a partner of USDA Rural Development in the development of rural communities.

     USDA 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. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure.

     Additional information on USDA Rural Development Programs can be obtained by writing: miguel.ramirez@pr.usda.gov or by calling Miguel A. Ramirez at (787) 859-2880, ext 118. USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities.

#

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

Return to Rural Development Puerto Rico News and Information Room.