Earlier this month USDA California Rural Development State Director Glenda Humiston kicked off Homeownership Month celebrations with visits to two Central Valley subdivisions. For over 30 families, Homeownership Month took on a very special meaning, and USDA was there to mark the occasions.
In the rural agriculture community of McFarland, Calif. Dr. Humiston and USDA staff gathered at Colores del Sol subdivision with the project’s builder, several city officials including McFarland Mayor, City Manager and Police Chief as well as a representative from Congressman Jim Costa’s office to celebrate homeownership at an open house.
Throughout the month of June, 22 families will move into a brand new home in the subdivision thanks to USDA Rural Development’s direct home loan program. Natalie Garcia, one of the new homeowners, thanked USDA Rural Development for programs that allow families like hers to make the dream of homeownership a reality. “I’m very excited about my new house. It’s a great place for my family to live but I couldn’t have done it without the USDA loan. Thank you, USDA!” In all, USDA Rural Development provided home loans to 47 families in the subdivision, a large majority of which were funded through the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act.
About 70 miles north of McFarland in the small community of Reedley, another group of 11 families had their own reasons to celebrate. This group of families all participated in the Self-Help Housing Program and after nine months of hard work, the homes were finally completed.
Humiston joined Self-Help Enterprises of Visalia, Calif. in congratulating the families on their commitment to making their futures better for themselves and their children. Through the Self-Help Housing Program the families spent 40 hours a week working on each other’s homes for the past nine months. They construct 60 percent of the home doing everything from laying foundation and framing to roofing and landscaping, and a lot in between.
The highlight of the day for everyone was when families received the keys to their new homes and realized that the dream of homeownership had become a reality.
Lucio & Karina Salazar receive the keys to their new home in Reedley, Calif. The family spent 9 months working with 10 other families to build their house and other homes through USDA’s Self Help Housing Program.
Natalie Garcia stands outside her new home in McFarland, Calif. She bought it with a Direct Loan provided by USDA Rural Development.