A Working Mother’s Path Toward Stable Housing

Samantha Drost, a 35‑year‑old single mother of four, has dedicated years to creating greater opportunity for her household. While balancing full‑time college studies with work responsibilities, she faced limited rental options and rising housing costs in rural Maine. From this experience she identified homeownership as a practical path toward long‑term stability and a way to return to Woodland, where her family has long-standing roots.

Challenges in Securing Affordable and Reliable Housing

Like many households in rural communities, Samantha encountered significant challenges when pursuing homeownership. Increasing housing costs and difficulty qualifying for a conventional mortgage created barriers to the lasting stability she was working toward.

“Owning a home was always the goal, but it was not an easy road,” said Samantha.

Her experience reflects the challenges many low‑ and very‑low-income families face when seeking sustainable housing options in rural areas.

USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Direct Program Provides a Path Forward

USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan Program offers fixed‑rate mortgage financing to eligible applicants with low and very‑low incomes. The program includes payment assistance, and a temporary subsidy that helps reduce monthly mortgage payments.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be without safe, decent, and sanitary housing.
• Be unable to obtain financing from other sources on reasonable terms.
• Intend to occupy the home as their primary residence.
• Select a property that is modest, in an eligible rural area, and within area loan limits.

Through this program, Samantha was able to purchase a modest home for her family in Woodland.

Rural Development Maine State Director John Butera emphasized the value of the program.

“I want more people to know that homeownership is possible even if they think it is out of reach,” he said. “Programs like this help families move from renting to owning, and in many cases, monthly payments are lower than rent.”

Creating Household Stability and Expanding Opportunity in Rural Maine

After closing on her home, Samantha and her children gained a stable foundation associated with long‑term homeownership. She noted that her children adapted quickly, appearing calmer and more settled in their new environment.

Over the past year and a half, USDA Rural Development has invested more than $130 million in homeownership and home repair programs throughout Maine, assisting more than 650 households.

“Homeownership is a powerful pathway for building stability and opportunity in rural Maine,” said Butera. “Our team is committed to helping more families find a safe, affordable place to call home.”

A Sustainable Future in Woodland

After years of working to create greater opportunities for her family, Samantha’s home purchase represents a meaningful step toward the lasting stability her household has been striving for. Securing a long‑term residence provides a dependable foundation for her children and supports her continued progress in work and education. Her story highlights USDA Rural Development’s role in helping families achieve safe, affordable housing that contributes to their long‑term economic stability.