Written by: Amy Mund USDA Public Information Coordinator, Colorado
Working with local community faith based organizations has provided the Rural Development Office in Alamosa, CO with a substantial increase in single family home loan applications. Taking the approach to leave no stone unturned Ty Coleman, Outreach Initiative Specialist, recently visited with 12 faith based organizations in the San Luis Valley area.On February 5, 2009, President Obama signed Amended Executive Order 13199 establishing the White House Office and Presidents Advisory Council of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (FBNP). Through the FBNP, USDA is working to build partnerships between government and faith-based and neighborhood organizations to better serve individuals, families, and communities.
In support of this, Coleman visited the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, one of the largest churches in the entire San Luis Valley. Ty spoke to the church members about the USDA Direct Home Loan Program at the closing of four different Masses on June 19th and 20th. Other churches in the area are planning to place information about the Housing program in their weekly bulletins.
So far the Alamosa office has received 3 applications, and they are anticipating many more.
