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.

Life hasn’t always been easy for Hayley. She is a single mother and going back to school to earn a bachelors degree. After making the time for school, she felt ready to plant some roots for her and her daughter.

Jose and Jessica De Paz are celebrating. Last month marked the one-year anniversary of being homeowners, an accomplishment they weren’t sure they’d be able to realize, but they did their research and attended a homeownership education course in May 2020. 

They were looking to purchase a home of their own. They wanted to move their family of seven out of an overcrowded two-bedroom mobile home.