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Success Stories: Determination + Cooperation + USDA = Homeowner

Outline of Need:

Troy Dawkins of Shelbina is proof that determination, willpower, and a positive attitude can sometimes beat even the most diabling of diseases. Mr. Dawkins was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy over twenty years ago. His lifelong dream was to own his own home.

How Rural Development Helped:

Self-help home under constructionThe North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) partnering with the Moberly local office of Rural Development is assisting eligible applicants to build their own homes. They work as a team with family members and friends on weekends and evenings after work to build each other's homes. NECAC provides the technical assistance and Rural Development provides the loan funds for the house and lot.

The Results:

The families save money by pooling resources and labor. And, families who could not have otherwise afforded their own home get a chance to work together with their peers and achive the American dream of home ownership. Troy Dawkins is proof that determination, willpower and a positive attitude is what rural America is made of.

(May 2002)

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Rural Development is within the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administers rural business, cooperative, housing, utilities and community development programs.

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