Outline of Need:

Abraham (Abe) and Gloria Flescher worked their whole lives, never asked for or received assistance. At 78 and 65 years old, Abe and Gloria had lived in a travel trailer and had been seasonally employed as campground caretakers for the past 13 years. While they loved the work and all the “campers” that they met over the years, Gloria wanted a real home with a real kitchen and a place for her dogs. Abe wanted a permanent home to shelter Gloria with a small workshop/garage for him that was close to his passion of fishing. This would be their first home. With limited resources, social security, and a small annuity, they realized that making their dream come true, required some help.

How Rural Development Helped:

The Flescher's heard about the Rural Development loan program (click here to learn more about this and other programs) and came into the Redmond Area USDA Service Center to complete an application with little hope of being able to afford a home or meet to the qualifications of a lender. The Rural Development Staff qualified the couple for assistance to purchase their first home; however, they decided to spend one more season at the Campground. As suggested, they returned the following year, re-qualified and began the search for their “dream”.

The Results:

After a long search in the counties and towns of Eastern Oregon, the couple found, with the assistance of Jett-Blackburn Realty, a home in Burns, Oregon which met many of their desires and most importantly, was affordable. They moved into their home in March 2006 and are adjusting to a “stationary” home. They love the town of Burns and their new neighbors. They wanted to let everyone know that you are never too old to make your dreams come true.

(July 2006)

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