U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Wisconsin State Director, Stan Gruszynski, announced the selection of Velkommen Apartments, on Washington Island, as a recipient of USDA Rural Development’s annual Award of Excellence.
The Award of Excellence is presented each year to Multi-Family Housing property owners who demonstrate their commitment and dedication to providing quality, affordable housing to the tenants they serve; and residents of rural Wisconsin.
USDA Rural Development presented the award to A&M Management, who owns and manages Velkommen Apartments, at a recognition ceremony that took place today.
“We welcome the opportunity to commend the Board of Directors and A&M Management for their involvement in, and maintenance of, the Velkommen Apartments,” said Gruszynski. “Rural families, seniors, and those with disabilities have the right to safe, affordable housing. This community recognized that right by its commitment to the operations and management of the Velkommen Apartments. The combined actions of A&M Management and the Board of Directors have strengthened this community.”
Velkommen Apartments is a 16 unit elderly housing facility, consisting of two - one story buildings, on Washington Island in Door County. This facility has an impeccable history of providing quality housing at affordable rents to the elderly residents of the Island. Owned by Velkommen, Inc. and managed by A&M Management, Velkommen Apartments is currently undergoing a rehabilitation and improvement project to all units. The Velkommen Board, especially past president Joan Blair, goes above and beyond to guarantee the success of the facility; working to create a friendly and home-like atmosphere and ensuring the overall comfort of the tenants. The facility fills a need in the community.
Velkommen Apartments is one of 480 complexes in USDA Rural Development’s Wisconsin portfolio.
USDA Rural Development Rural Housing Programs offer a broad range of homeownership assistance available to individuals and families who wish to, or currently, live in rural areas, cities, and communities. These programs have the ultimate goal of providing affordable homeownership opportunities to rural residents.
During 2015 USDA invested $19.5 billion to help more than 148,500 rural families buy or make repairs and safety upgrades to their homes across the country. Since 2009 the Department has invested more than $137 billion to support rural homeownership.
In addition to housing, USDA Rural Development invests in jobs, infrastructure, community development, health, and education. Last year, USDA Rural Development invested nearly $577 million on essential public facilities, small and emerging businesses, water and sewer systems, as well as housing opportunities throughout rural Wisconsin. The agency’s investment helped create or retain more than 1,560 jobs; aided 3,000 families in buying their own homes; and assisted more than 80 communities in improving community facilities and upgrading local infrastructure. USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. For more information on USDA Rural Development programs visit USDA’s web site at www.rd.usda.gov/wi.