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Success Stories

USDA Helps Renovate Homeowner’s Safe Haven

Tammi Schone
Home Repair
Homeownership
Housing
Photo of Corina Ponce and her son

Nearly three years ago, Corina Ponce had purchased a bank-owned home in Redfield, SD. She acquired the property knowing it had been vacant for a few years and needed major repairs.

The time had come when she was ready to move forward with repairs to the home. One evening, she scoured the internet to research home loans and came across the USDA Rural Development website. She reached out to Roxanne Woodring, a housing specialist out of the Aberdeen Area Office. Roxanne worked with Corina throughout the Single-Family Housing 504 Home Repair Loan Program application process.

Corina was approved for the home repair loan on March 5, 2020. The federal funding was used towards repairing walls in the kitchen, bathroom plumbing, and installing new flooring in the kitchen and bathroom. Corina shared that the loan repayment period of 20 years at one percent interest was very beneficial, feasible and within budget.

Corina and her son live in the home. “The home is our safe haven,” said Ponce. “A place where we create many memories. A place where we laugh, love, and feel protected.”

Ponce shared that Rural Development helped make her home more comfortable. They went the extra mile to help me achieve my renovation goal. Roxanne went above and beyond with sharing incremental information about other loan and grant programs that might benefit me. As a result, I was able to qualify for a grant from Homes Are Possible, Inc. (HAPI). The grant funding was used for electrical, foundation and roofing repairs.

“As Inspector for Homes Are Possible, Inc., I help owners procure grant money for home improvements.  Eligible projects are, roof repairs/shingles, siding, windows/doors, plumbing, electrical and more.  To see the transformations from start to finish is very rewarding. We wish Corina and her son many comfortable years in their home,” said Vicky Moulsoff, Inspector, Homes Are Possible, Inc.

“I am completely satisfied with all the repairs performed to my home,” said Ponce. “I would encourage others to apply for the home repair loan program. I thank USDA for providing me the opportunity to work with such a fulfilling program. I’m grateful for the experience.”

Obligation Amount:
N/A
Year(s) of Obligation:
Congressional District:
Johnson