Florida Home Partnership (FHP) is excited to participate in the national celebration recognizing Rural Self Help Housing’s 50 Years and 50,000 Homes built. FHP is celebrating the accomplishment with a commemorative ceremonial ground breaking program in Bayou Pass Village.
“Homeownership is a part of the American Dream,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Richard A. Machek. “USDA has helped provide homeownership for rural Americans for more than six decades. This year, we are marking the 50th anniversary of USDA’s Mutual Self-Help Housing program and are celebrating the 50,000th home built through it.”
Throughout June, USDA employees will celebrate National Homeownership Month with events across the nation that demonstrates our commitment to provide affordable housing opportunities for rural Americans with limited means. The theme for this year’s events is: “Let’s Build a Better Future Together”.
Since 2009, USDA invested more than $117 billion to support rural homeownership. In 2014 alone, USDA invested more than $19.9 billion to help nearly 140,000 rural families buy and maintain homes. Rural Development’s Mutual Self-Help Housing program assists families in achieving the American Dream through their participation in “sweat equity” construction of their homes, thus reducing costs of homeownership.
President Obama’s historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.
USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities and provides financing and technical assistance to foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at www.rd.usda.gov/fl.