En un terreno multigeneracional en la zona rural de Loíza, Puerto Rico, se erige un nuevo hogar para Iris. Iris es una de nueve hermanos que crecieron en la casa, originalmente construida en un terreno que fue legado por sus abuelos.

"Los abuelos le dieron un pedazo de tierra a cada uno de sus hijos, y ellos construyeron sus casas allí, pero lo que construyeron, autorizaron a sus hijos a también construir," dijo ella. 

Retired biochemist Gary Goodrich founded Replenova Farm in 2015, after decades spent growing healthy produce as a pastime. He had sold his Portland biotech company and was ready to dive into organic farming. In 2019 he purchased land and relocated the farm to Durham, Maine, where he opened for business with a brand-new farm store and commercial kitchen alongside fields, high tunnels, and a big red barn.

On multigenerational land in rural Loíza, Puerto Rico, stands a new home for Iris. Iris is one of nine siblings who grew up in the house, originally built on land passed down from her grandparents. 

"The grandparents gave a piece of land to each of their children, and they built their houses there, but what they built, they authorized their children to also build," she said. 

In southern New Mexico along the Rio Grande and the Texas border, the small City of Anthony is no stranger to the benefits of partnering with USDA Rural Development. The small community of less than 10,000 residents is a designated colonia, making it eligible for grants and loans created specifically for colonia communities.

A colonia refers to a rural community with a population of 25,000 or less located within 150 miles of the United States and Mexico border. A colonia lacks a potable water supply, adequate sewage systems, or sanitary housing.

When Thomas McGinn and his son, Tim, moved from Southern California to the desert of New Mexico in 1980, Thomas was looking for a change. He wanted to get back into farming and get out of his job working in food production for big factories.

He purchased land for a farm and built a home. Eventually, the farm grew to the size it is today, hosting 12,300 pistachio trees and 7,500 grape vines. The farm, officially titled Pistachio Tree Ranch, produces wine and pistachio products on-site and is now known as Pistachioland.

A calming oasis can be hard to find in the gridlock of Northern Virginia, but those who know where to look can take a turn off the beaten path to reach a hidden sanctuary in nearby Culpeper. The Little House at Seek Lavender is a place of comfort and connection that is inspiring people throughout the region to live nature-inspired lives. 

West River’s project proposes the construction of a new electrical 69–12.47/7.2 kV distribution substation. The substation will be connected to a future 69kV transmission line located on the north property boundary to improve electrical delivery reliability for West River customers.

Bodee and his wife Alexandria were anxious to plant roots for their growing family. With a young son, and another one the way, they were ready to have a space of their own. The couple had never owned their own home, moving from rental to rental in Natrona County.

“Homeownership to me epitomizes the American dream to have something to show for all the hard work and sweat that you put into working whatever job you have. Having the ability to hang your hat somewhere you can call yours,” Bodee said.

Globally, more than a billion people count on coffee to power their day.  In rural Puerto Rico, USDA Rural Development is helping a small family-owned business power some of that coffee. 

Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative proposes to rebuild approximately 52 miles and construct 6 new miles of transmission line.  The proposed project will be in Lewis County, Missouri to Lee County, Iowa.