Khine Moe grew up in New City, New York, but always dreamed of having a big home and blossoming garden. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, it was the push she needed to make her dream a reality. She started searching for affordable loan programs and found USDA Rural Development (RD).

“USDA 502 Direct loan program was a great fit because it gave opportunities to people like myself who had limited credit and income and wasn't a likely candidate with big banks,” Ms. Moe said.

“When we walked in, I felt like an imposter - Like I just stole somebody’s house,” said Michael Carlos, a Houlton, Maine native and fiancé of Sakoya Blackwell, a member of the Maliseet Indian Tribe in Houlton. “I couldn’t believe it was really ours.”

For years, their family faced housing challenges that went from difficult to worse.

Patsy Reckart of Weston, Lewis County, in rural West Virginia is a local author and a senior citizen who one day found herself in need of some home modifications for the sake of her own health and safety.

Ms. Reckart had fallen in her bathtub and was unable to get out of the tub by herself.  After 15 hours, she was rescued by family and friends who, unable to reach her, came to her home to check on her.

In September 2020, Julie McDowell of Ponca, Nebraska needed a new furnace and air conditioner for her home. The situation felt dire. Not only was the harsh Nebraska winter on its way, but her old furnace was filling her home with dangerous carbon monoxide. When she bought the house in the 1990s she thought it would be her forever home, but after decades of hard work, a medical diagnosis changed her situation and threatened her stability. She found herself on a limited income, and a new system was out of her reach. Luckily, McDowell’s daughter knew U.S.

Amanda Tomey, a single mother, dreamed of owning her own home. She took the first step by contacting the Homeownership Center in Elkins, West Virginia.

It was raining, it was pouring, but the only one snoring was Alma Flores’ son in his very own bedroom. On a rainy, spring Wednesday in Wisconsin, Alma hosted USDA Rural Development (RD) and Habitat for Humanity (HFH) to share her favorite things about her family’s new home. 

Having previously lived in a two-bedroom apartment with her family of five, moving into a four-bedroom home has been life changing.

"I want to tell you what a wonderful experience I had working with USDA Rural Development..." began the customer appreciation letter written by senior citizen Connie Henson, of Spencer, West Virginia.

Ms. Henson wrote, "I needed a new roof for my house and at my age wasn’t sure where to turn. I was so thankful to find your agency."

The Dennis family, Marc “Bill” and Nicole, broke ground on their new home in Carneys Point earlier this year. Mrs. Dennis is in a wheelchair and their home will be constructed with handicap accessible features throughout. The Dennis family is beyond excited because it has been quite the challenge to find a home that fits their needs. Mrs. Dennis is especially excited about having a custom kitchen where she can bake and cook comfortably.