WASHINGTON, D.C.
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| NEWS RELEASE WASHINGTON, D.C. |
Contact: Rosemarie Massa (717) 237-2269
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa., June 9, 2006--Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas Dorr today announced a $558,192 grant to enable a Pennsylvania non-profit organization to assist 21 families as they work to build their own homes. The funds were provided through USDA Rural Development's Self Help Housing program.
Dorr was in Pennsylvania as part of the national observance of June Homeownership Month. He was joined by Pennsylvania Rural Development State Director Gary H. Groves and the grant recipient, James E. Upchurch, president of the Interfaith Housing Alliance.
"The Self Help program began in 1961," said Dorr. "Over the last 45 years more than $2 billion has been invested through the program to assist more than 40,000 rural families across America as they worked to build their own homes from the ground up. Each family has a special story to tell, and we salute them during June Homeownership Month." Since the beginning of the Bush Administration, nearly 250,000 rural families have received assistance from Rural Development through various single family housing programs as they've achieved their dreams of homeownership.
"Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities and to helping as many people as possible achieve the American dream," said Groves, "Rural Development staff work year round in their efforts on behalf of eligible, rural, low-income families in this regard through direct and guaranteed loans and home repair grants and loans."
Under the Self Help program, families working together, with the guidance of a non-profit agency, build their own homes. The families must complete at least 65 percent of the work themselves and no one can move into a home until all are completed. The process usually takes about a year. Upon closing, the families' work becomes their "sweat equity".
President Bush has issued a proclamation designating June as National Homeownership Month-a time to reflect on the important role homeownership plays in American society. For more information on USDA Rural Development's homeownership programs go to http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/ or call any Rural Development office. In Pennsylvania, information can be obtained by calling (717) 237-2299.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in rural communities. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development has invested over $63 billion since the beginning of the Bush Administration to provide equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Over 1.1 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
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