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USDA Rural Development Celebrates Impact of Homeownership on Maine during National Homeownership Month

Name
Emily Cannon
City
Washington
Release Date



Events across the Nation to Spotlight Efforts to Help Rural Americans Buy Homes

Acting Deputy Undersecretary for Rural Development Roger Glendenning today kicked off National Homeownership Month to celebrate the vital contribution homeowners have made to communities across rural America.

“Owning a home provides rural residents a secure environment where they can raise families, and it helps invigorate local rural economies that are vital to the long-term security and well-being of our nation,” Glendenning said. “Homeownership fortifies communities, creates jobs and strengthens the local businesses that support our towns.”

USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Tommy R. Higgins said, “Homeownership is key to building personal equity and stability for Maine families and individuals on a micro level. On a larger scale, homeowners are the heart of a healthy rural community.” Mr. Higgins went on to say, “Homeowners take great pride in the communities in which they live, work, and raise their children. I am pleased that we can highlight our Housing Programs during this important month, and help more people understand the programs that are available to assist them.”

USDA provides mortgage loan guarantees through partnerships with private-sector lenders to help low to moderate income rural homebuyers. In the past decade in Maine, 17,285 Maine individuals or families have realized the dream of homeownership through the Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Program, the program in which Rural Development works with local lenders.

Nationwide, USDA has helped more than 4.1 million rural residents buy homes since the National Housing Act was passed 68 years ago.

Events will be held throughout June, National Homeownership Month, to demonstrate the Department’s longstanding commitment to provide affordable housing opportunities for rural Americans. To learn more about USDA’s observance of National Homeownership Month, please visit our Facebook page, follow @USDARD on Twitter, contact a USDA Rural Development State Office near you, or call (800) 670-6553.

USDA Rural Development in Maine has Area Offices located in Presque Isle, Bangor, Lewiston, and Scarborough, as well as a State Office, located in Bangor. There are 54 employees working to deliver the agency’s Housing, Business, and Community Programs, which are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, and farmers, and improve the quality of life in rural Maine. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at http://www.rd.usda.gov/me.