In April 2025, Kamryn Clark took an important step toward her future when she applied for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans, also known as the Section 502 Direct Loan Program, to purchase her first home in Carneys Point, New Jersey. As an independent woman who had recently transitioned from substitute teaching to securing her dream role as a full‑time elementary school teacher, Clark was determined to “live where you work” and put down roots in the community she serves.

With support from USDA Rural Development, Clark navigated the homebuying process and secured the financing she needed to make her dream possible. 

“USDA’s Section 502 Direct Loan Program made my dream of owning a home possible. As a first-time homebuyer and a teacher, having a stable and comfortable place to come home to has meant everything,” said Clark. “My new home gives me independence, security, and the space to recharge after long days in the classroom. Achieving homeownership has been a major milestone, one that fills me with pride. My living conditions have improved greatly, giving me more privacy, comfort, and the freedom to shape a space that truly reflects who I am. Thank you, USDA.”

Today, Clark is thriving in both her new role as an educator and in the place, she now calls home. Her story highlights how the 502 Direct Loan Program continues to open doors for hardworking individuals and strengthen the fabric of rural communities across New Jersey.