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Outline of Need:
Robert and Marilyn Jones of Fairbanks needed a new place to live. “We were in an apartment. It was terrible,” said Mr. Jones. The Jones family has three children at home, including a one-year-old. They wanted to break the cycle of renting.
How Rural Development Helped:
Rural Development provided a direct leveraged homeownership loan (learn more about this program). This enabled the couple to move out of their rental apartment and achieve the dream of homeownership.
The Results:
“We learned about Rural Development's housing programs from my wife's cousin. We went to see Fairbanks (Area Manager) Jim Pohlman and (Loan Specialist) Kim Wood. I love ‘em. They supported us big time. Working with Rural Development allowed us to buy a bigger, better house,” said Mr. Jones.
For the past 13 years Robert has worked as a teacher. He currently instructs students at Fairbanks West Valley High School in the areas of Native art and jewelry crafting. Originally from the “lower 48,” he is a descendent of two Native tribes. His wife is Athabaskan, (Alaska Native). “The house is out of town (Fairbanks) but we're really happy with it,” said Robert. “Now, instead of an apartment, we live in a three bedroom home.” “I was happy with the program,” said Mrs. Jones. “The people who worked with us were so nice. I liked everything about it.”
Mr. and Mrs. Jones said doing the paperwork was easy and Rural Development staff was available when needed. They moved into their new house in late October. “I'm totally happy,” said Robert. “We couldn't have done any better. When anyone asks me about buying a house, I tell them to go to Rural Development.”
(February 2005)
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