A family of three in Montague, New Jersey, had been facing growing challenges as a worsening roof leak threatened the safety and comfort of their home. Each rainfall brought renewed anxiety, water seeping through the ceiling, new damage appearing in their living space, and the mounting fear that the cost of repairs would be far beyond their reach.

Access to safe, affordable housing can be challenging for many rural people across South Dakota. But thanks in part to the South Dakota Governor’s House program at the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield, quality two- and three -bedroom homes make homeownership possible.

In this story, we’ll explore how this program has been successful, visit with a homeowner who recently purchased a home through this program because she believes in helping others, and talk with a former inmate who has become a successful business owner, thanks in part to the Governor’s House Program.

The City of Batavia reached a transformative milestone with the recent grand opening of their new state-of-the-art police station. This was a project made possible through $12.5 million in critical support from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Community Facilities program. For years, the city’s police department operated out of an aging facility that no longer met modern standards for safety, accessibility, or operational efficiency.

(Washington, D.C., June 15, 2026) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it is accepting fiscal year 2026 applications for grants to create revolving loan funds to build and improve water and wastewater disposal systems in rural areas.

(Boise, ID, June 8, 2026) – The U.S.

(Athens, Ga., June 15, 2026). – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Georgia State Director Joyce White celebrates National Homeownership Month by highlighting Rural Development’s commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and helping more Americans achieve the dream of homeownership.

Aurora, a 58‑year‑old first-time homebuyer in Oxford, New Jersey, spent five years working tirelessly toward her dream of owning a home. Balancing two jobs as a baker at different supermarkets, she pushed forward despite facing setback after setback. Over time, the challenges grew heavy, and Aurora began to fear that homeownership might never be within reach. This year, everything changed in a way Aurora describes as nothing short of a miracle.