Tonya Clyde, a single mother of two young children was in the process of a divorce and living in a home owned by her soon to be ex-husband. She needed to find a home for herself, her children, and her 86-year old grandmother. Since she had always been a stay at home mom and never held a job, she was desperate to find employment and a new home.
With the help of her grandmother to watch the children, Tonya obtained a full-time job as a sales associate. Becoming employed was a huge accomplishment, and the possibility of owning her own home and providing a better life for her family convinced her to check into USDA’s housing program.
Tonya learned about the program through a friend. She came into a USDA office and worked with South Dakota Rural Development staff to get an application started. She was approved for a USDA Rural Housing Direct Home loan.
After searching for several months, Tonya found an older home within her budget in Henry, South Dakota. The two-story home has four bedrooms and two bathrooms to accommodate her family’s needs. The bathrooms needed to be updated, carpet and windows replaced, and the siding painted.
Tonya found a new lease on life, a burst of energy and determination. She has gained the self-confidence to enroll in the business administration program at a university in Watertown.
After going through a series of challenges, Tonya has gained self-esteem, motivation, and can see a brighter future for herself, children, and her grandmother. This goes to show what determination and will power can do!
Tonya said that the biggest benefit of USDA’s housing program was that “You were here when I needed someone to help at a difficult time in my life to get on my feet in order to support my family.” She also said that she appreciated all the help and guidance Rural Development gave her.
To find out how USDA Rural Development may be able to assist you in your effort to obtain safe, affordable housing, click here. June is Homeownership Month. To learn more about events planned by USDA click here.