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Many residents on Hooper's Island in Maryland are still suffering the consequences of Hurricane Isabel, which passed through the Chesapeake Bay region in September 2003. Approximately 53 families on the Island continue to live in trailers provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Louella Ruark lost her 50-year old home, built by her late husband, during Hurricane Isabel. Mrs. Ruark had not heard of Rural Development until her daughter, Melody, found the agency while surfing the Internet. To highlight homeownership month and Rural Development's home repair program, Rural Development in Maryland held an event that took place in front of Mrs. Ruark's new home that was made possible with the help of Rural Development, FEMA, and a conventional lender.
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. 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.
Rural Development's mission is to improve the quality of life in rural communities. This includes helping victims recover from a natural disaster and return to a place that they have always called home. After Louella Ruark lost her 50-year old home during Hurricane Isabel, she lived in a FEMA trailer for many months until her new home was ready for occupancy.
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.
Pictured above: Rural Development's Deputy Administrator for Community Development Programs, Luis Luna, and Maryland/Delaware State Director Marlene Elliott present Louella Ruark with the American flag. Louella Ruark with her loyal companion, her dog Magnum. Louella Ruark stands on the deck of her new home with her daughter Melody. Standing below are Luis Luna, Community Development Programs Deputy Administrator and State Director Marlene Elliott.
Homeownership Month 2004 Home Page
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