To celebrate Homeownership Month, the USDA Rural Development (USDA RD) in Brownwood acknowledged Ashley Jackson of Brownwood in the closing of her home using one of their loan programs.

 

.Jackson is a single mom of two, works for a local non-profit agency and is working on a degree in psychology online through Capella University.  Jackson is one of the 80,000 new homeowners since October 1, 2010 who have purchased homes through USDA Rural Development financing.  Pictured above (left to right) are:  John Powell USDA Rural Development Area Director, homeowner-Ashley Jackson, J’Ley Jackson, Jason Jackson, Jr., USDA Rural Development Area Specialist Rea Hopson and Jackson’s mother and Realtor Kim Green.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack kicked off National Homeownership month on June 7, 2011 highlighting the important role housing plays in creating jobs, maintaining viable rural communities and contributing to the economy

“Housing drives rural economies and supports healthy rural communities,” Vilsack said.  “About 50 million Americans call rural areas home, and safe, sanitary housing is a basic human need in rural America.  USDA Rural Development’s housing programs do more than provide a place for families to live.  They stimulate economic activity through single-family home construction, rental assistance for those who need it, and funding for eligible very-low-income homeowners to enable them to keep their dwellings in good repair.”

Vilsack said this year’s Homeownership Month theme is “Rural Housing/Rural Jobs.”  Local and USDA officials share educate the public concerning the benefits of homeownership and share information on ways families can become homeowners.

“USDA Rural Development is committed to providing safe, affordable housing to low-income families in rural communities throughout Texas,” said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development State Director.  “We are proud to assist rural Texans in meeting their housing needs, a critical goal to the long term sustainability of our communities.”

Behind each of these loans is a family with a story such as Jackson’s.  Jackson and her family lived with her mother previously and now have a home and the independence that goes with it.

“Homeownership means stability and consistency for me and my kids,” stated Jackson.  “We can call it home now, it fits us perfectly.”

Other USDA RD buyers  stories, such as Monique Butler, a single mother, full time student, and full time employee, who recently bought her first home in Longview, Texas, through the 502 Direct Loan program with USDA Rural Development.  The program gave Ms. Butler and her three children the means to purchase a beautiful home in a safe neighborhood, close to her children’s schools and her job.  Ms. Butler, who had previously lived in a homeless shelter, says, “Words are not enough to express my gratefulness to Rural Development for allowing me the ability to purchase a home and assist me in obtaining a piece of the American Dream.”

The economic impact of housing development goes far beyond home sales and construction.  According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the sale of an existing median-priced home ($173,000 nationally) generates $58,529 in economic activity.  This includes $15,570 in direct real estate industry support (fees for real estate agents, title companies, and mortgage brokers); $5,235 in furniture, home furnishings, landscaping, and etc.; and $9,987 in stimulated economic activity.  New home sales generate even more economic activity, including the cost of construction materials and construction jobs, according to NAR.

To learn more about USDA Rural Development’s Housing Programs in the Brownwood area, please call (325) 643-1585 or visit the USDA website for a list of Rural Development offices.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices.  These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.  Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $150 billion in loans and loan guarantees.  USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.