(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.

In April 2025, Kamryn Clark took an important step toward her future when she applied for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans, also known as the Section 502 Direct Loan Program, to purchase her first home in Carneys Point, New Jersey. As an independent woman who had recently transitioned from substitute teaching to securing her dream role as a full‑time elementary school teacher, Clark was determined to “live where you work” and put down roots in the community she serves.

Barbara Coldwell approached her goal of homeownership methodically and proactively. Her efforts resulted in a “home sweet home” where she now enjoys a vibrant yard, watching wind moving the leaves of the trees, and listening to birds from her porch and through the window of her dining room- a favorite place to unwind after busy days working in urban Gwinnett County, Georgia. 

(Des Moines, Iowa, June 12, 2026) – U.S.

Navajo Tribal Utility Authority will construct, operate, maintain, and eventually decommission, a 25-Megawatt hour (MWh) [AC] Solar and 20 MWh Battery Storage Facility over a span of a 200- acre site.

Round Rock Solar & Battery Storage Project Emergency Environmental Assessment - April 2026

(Jasper, Ga., June 9, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Georgia State Director Joyce White today announced the completion of a major wastewater infrastructure improvement project in the city of Jasper, Pickens County. The project was funded by the agency’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program.

(La Pine, Ore., June 9, 2026) – Together with the city of La Pine, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Oregon State Director Jim Carmack today celebrated the completion of the city’s new water and wastewater systems.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega has announced that the Anna-Jonesboro Water Commission will receive $11.115 million for critical water infrastructure upgrades.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega announced that the agency provided Clay County with an $800,000 grant to construct a new medical building for the Clay County Hospital. The Clay County Hospital is a county-owned hospital governed by the Clay County Board.