06/10/08 Rural Development celebrates Homeownership Month

Washington Ag June 10, 2008 USDA is observing June 2008 as National Homeownership month and USDA Rural Development is sponsoring numerous events across the country including Washington. Last week a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house was held in Bucoda, Washington for a couple who lost their home in the December floods. The couple was able to purchase a new home with financing from USDA Rural Development's 502 Direct Loan Program and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Robert Lund who is Rural Development's Washington Housing Program Director says among other events this month will be one near Quincy. Lund: "The Washington Agricultural Family Assistance, WAFA, they are going to hold a groundbreaking ceremony. This involves about sixteen families who are developing houses under the self-help program." Lund says one of the challenges for the agency is getting the word out about the housing programs they have for rural areas. Lund: "And so we are trying to get the message out. We think we have a great program. There are no surprises like some of the loans that have taken place previously that are now adversely affecting some of these homeowners." You can learn more by visiting a local USDA Rural Development office. I'm Bob Hoff.