As the coronavirus pandemic took hold in Oregon, the hospitality industry became one of many sectors suddenly struggling to survive. The Best Western Astoria Bayfront Hotel on the Oregon coast lost 95 percent of its business in April and May, with $200,000 in cancellations, as the state’s stay-at-home order and then the mayor’s shutdown order went into effect. It was a devastating blow for a seasonal business that only earns a profit during the summer.

Ashley Schofield is a teacher in the Kadoka school system. Ashley had a dream of giving her young children a home of their own. She heard of a lot in town, but the house had been condemned. She contacted the city; the city demolished the house and her mother bought the lot so Ashley would be assured she could build her home on this site. This was the clean slate she needed for her dream.

The Mitchell family was living on top of each other in their cramped apartment in the rural town of Tillamook on the northern Oregon coast. The exposed wiring in the second bedroom forced them to share the master with their two young children.

The 890 rural residents of the city of Rushville are currently served by a 1974 pumper truck that was refurbished in 1994. The vehicle lacks 4x4 wheel drive which is critical during poor weather conditions.  Also, the truck can't pump and roll simultaneously, and does not have four full size doors, endangering the security of firefighters not inside while en-route.  

USDA Rural Development assisted with a $50,000 Community Facilities Disaster Grant to purchase a 2020 Freightliner Fire Pumper Truck that is fully functional.  

The focus of any fire department is to reduce deaths and injury due to fire related hazards. Having protective clothing as well as updated trucks and equipment is vital, which improves the efficiency and delivery of fire protection services.

One of the most rewarding feelings for us at USDA Rural Development is making the call to an applicant once they're approved for a loan under the 502 Direct Home Program. You can hear the excitement in their voice and you can feel the gratitude through the phone lines. This was no different with the Hill family.  Mary Hill and her children, Rhylee (seven) and Colin (3 weeks), were able to purchase their first home in April.

Tyler Glaser was tired of renting and wanted a home he could shape into his own.  As he works in Norfolk, Neb. it was an easy decision for him to decide where he wanted to own.
 
"My Mom works at a title company in Norfolk and pointed me in the right direction to NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska (NWNEN), said Glaser." "The funding process was easy and I never really had any issues with anything. If something came up it was always easy to take care of.  Between working with USDA Rural Development and NWNEN the process was smooth."