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On June 10th, 2004, the USDA Rural Development office in Moberly, Missouri (serving Randolph, Monroe, Shelby, and Chariton counties), along with North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC), sponsored a banquet to honor families that have participated in the Self Help housing program in the area. NECAC is the recipient of USDA Technical Assistance grant funds to administer the self help program for USDA Rural Development.
Pictured L to R: Carla Potts, Deputy Director of Northeast Community Action Corportation Council; Don Patrick, Director of Northeast Community Action Corporation; Shane Goettel, Acting Associate Administrator for the Housing Programs; Greg Branum, Missouri State Director; and Steve Gerrish, Moberly Community Development Manager.
With June being National Homeownership month, the self help banquet was an opportunity to increase the awareness of home ownership opportunities and recognize those that have achieved the "American Dream" of owning their own home.
The banquet highlighted the Missouri families in the area that have participated in the self help program since 1998. Contractors that have also played a role in the success of the program were also honored. A self help housing video was developed to showcase all 26 homes that have been built. Joy Brumbaugh of Moberly and Troy Dawkins of Shelbina shared their positive experiences when they were associated with the program and the construction of their new home.
Mr. Shane Goettle, Acting Associate Administrator for Rural Development's Housing Programs, was the keynote speaker. Additional comments were provided by representatives from Senator Kit Bond's office, Congressman Kenny Hulshof's office, Senator Jim Talent's office, and State Senator John Cauthorn. Other partners from Federal Home Loan Bank, HUD, and MHDC also participated.
The Self Help housing program affords families the opportunity to construct their own home in a mutual partnership with other eligible families. They contribute an average of 25 hours per week to construct at least 65 percent of the home. Each family works on all homes and no family moves in until all homes are complete. Subcontractors are used for excavation, foundation, electrical, plumbing, heating/cooling, insulating, sheetrocking, and some framing. Families select one of 6 house plan choices, can build on crawl space or basement, select their site (subject to Rural Development approval) and provide the normal selection choices with respect to paint colors, siding, shingles, and flooring. Housing costs are financed with USDA Rural Development funds with current rates of 5 7/8 percent amortized over 33 years. The down payment is the family's "sweat equity" developed from constructing their home. Eligible families must meet credit history requirements, income limits, and repayment ratios.
The Self Help program has provided numerous benefits to the counties of Shelby, Randolph and Monroe counties. Towns benefiting from new self help homes have been Moberly, Huntsville, Clarence, Shelbina, Bethel, Paris, Monroe City and Duncan's Bridge. Overall, tax assessments have been increased in these counties by approximately $2,167,000 which has added approximately $26,000 per year to the respective city and county tax revenues. Housing loan funds of about $1.9 million have been expended to the families to cover costs of site purchase, subcontractors, materials, and closing costs.
Homeownership Month 2004 Home Page
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