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USDA Celebrates Homeownership Month, Helps Families Build Future

Name
Sarah Marquart
City
DAVIS
Release Date

USDA Rural Development State Director Glenda Humiston will join Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP) homebuilders in constructing new homes in Biggs on June 11.  This volunteer day is taking place in conjunction with USDA Rural Development's National Homeownership Month and NeighborWorks Week, organized by NeighborWorks America.

"Over the past 65 years, USDA has helped over 3 million rural residents invest in homes of their own," Humiston said.  "As we celebrate homeownership this month, I look forward to working side-by-side with the families in Biggs who have been sacrificing nights, weekends and vacations to build the American dream and offer their children a brighter future."

Currently, 19 families are building in Biggs at the North Biggs Estates Subdivision.  The homes are all built under USDA Rural Development's mutual self-help housing program.  Through the program homeowners spend a minimum of 40 hours per week on home construction in groups of eight to ten other families.  The homes typically about a year to build and no one moves in until all the homes are completed.
 
"Creating homeownership opportunities for families who wouldn’t otherwise become homeowners remains CHIP’s number one priority” said CHIP’s Executive Director David Ferrier.  "The mutual self-help housing program is the perfect program for creating successful homeowners, neighborhoods and communities."

USDA Rural Development will be highlighting National Homeownership Month with events across the Nation throughout June.  This year's theme, "Own Your Future, Own Your Home" highlights homeownership as a critical step to long-term financial stability and security for rural families. To learn more about USDA homeownership assistance and events, follow us on the USDA Facebook page.

In 2013 alone, USDA Rural Development helped more than 5,500 rural residents become homeowners in California, investing nearly $1 billion in loans, grants and technical assistance to provide affordable, safe housing for rural families.

CHIP is a 40 year old organization whose mission is to improve, expand and provide housing and related services to communities in the Northern Sacramento Valley. CHIP has constructed more than 2,400 units of housing in Northern California and the agency has been acknowledged as an innovator and leader, particularly on rural housing issues.  They assist low income, rural disadvantaged, senior citizens and other persons who lack income, financial resources or the knowledge to improve or provide adequately for their housing.  They promote safe, healthy, sustainable, affordable housing, community facilities and services while improving the quality of life for communities.

USDA, through it Rural Development mission area, offers programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.