USDA Celebrates National Homeownership Month
Events in New Mexico Highlight Programs to Help People Buy, Build, Repair and Rent Homes in Rural, Tribal and Underserved Communities
PLACITAS, N.M., June 15, 2022 – Today, USDA Rural Development State Director Patricia Dominguez honored a Placitas, New Mexico resident as part of the nationwide Homeownership Month celebration held every June.
During a visit to Ms. Charlene Gonzales’ home Director Dominguez saw firsthand how funding provided by USDA Rural Development was used to rehabilitate the 62-year-old woman’s house.
During the event Dominguez said, “This year’s theme ‘Rural America is a place everyone can call home,’ is very appropriate because, Ms. Gonzales is enjoying her home without worrying about any hazards.”
Gonzales qualified for a $10-thousand-dollar grant from USDA to pay for the repairs to her home including the installation of a new electric water heater, a handicap toilet and fixed her flooring. A fence around her house was also constructed to keep bobcats, wild horses, and deer away from her home.
Ms. Karen Macy a retired licensed therapist was also honored for her volunteerism to help Ms. Gonzales who is totally deaf with the application for funds obligated by USDA Rural Development to repair the house.
As a token of appreciation, Director Dominguez gave the women an American Flag to celebrate National Homeownership Month.
The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the New Mexico Association of Realtors also joined Rural Development in the National Homeownership Month celebration. The goal is to expand housing opportunities and rental assistance which strengthens our economy by helping families and individuals build wealth and achieve financial stability.
USDA is also highlighting ways it is working with lenders and community partners to open the door to homeownership for rural Americans who have been unserved or underserved for far too long. USDA is hosting events across the nation to showcase affordable housing programs for lenders, community partners, families, and individuals. USDA’s single family housing programs are:
- The Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan Program provides loans directly to families and individuals so they can buy or build homes in rural America.
- The Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program enables USDA to partner with private lending institutions, backing their loans to help families and individuals buy homes in rural areas.
- The Home Repair Loan and Grant Program provides loans and grants to help families and individuals repair their homes to make them safer, healthier places to live.
- The Mutual Self-Help Housing Grant Program provides grants to qualified organizations to help them carry out local self-help housing construction projects.
For more information on home loan opportunities visit USDA Rural Development’s website at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/nm
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