NEWS RELEASE
United States Department of Agriculture • Rural Development Valley City Area Office, 575 10th St SW Suite 4, Valley City ND 58072 Phone: (701) 845-5150 Ext. 4 • Fax: (701) 845-3177 • TTY: (800) 366-6889 • Web: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/
Contact: Beth Didier Phone: (701) 845-5150 Ext. 4
USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT HELPS HORACE FAMILY BECOME HOMEOWNERS
“Home, sweet home.”
HORACE, June 19, 2007 —Chief of Staff for USDA Rural Development’s Housing and Community Facilities Programs in Washington, D.C., Peter Morgan, State Director for USDA Rural Development in North Dakota, Clare Carlson, and other Rural Development staff members today are visiting the home of Gary and Andrea Holmgren, 623 Willow Court, and their family to personally congratulate them as new homeowners, and to honor them in recognition of June as National Homeownership Month. The visit is part of a series of events held throughout the nation by USDA Rural Development in celebration of June as National Homeownership Month and President George W. Bush’s initiative to increase homeownership opportunities. “President Bush has proclaimed June 2007 as National Homeownership Month and I'm proud to be a part of your Homeownership event here in Horace,” said Morgan. “Homeownership is an important part of USDA Rural Development's mission working to provide better housing opportunities to minorities and lower income families through initiatives, programs, and partnerships.” The Holmgrens moved to North Dakota to be closer to family and to provide a better life for their three year old son, Dominiq. When given the opportunity to purchase the home they were renting from their landlord, Fargo Realtor Mike Qualley, they felt this was the perfect time to become homeowners. On the referral by Qualley, Gary and Andrea came to USDA Rural Development in August 2006. “We liked our home and our community – its small town with the BIG city not too far away,” said Andrea. Through Rural Development’s 502 Direct Loan Program, they were able to finance repairs and improvements with the loan. Some improvements included replacing the front entry deck, swapping out a second-story window with French doors and adding a deck for easy access to the back yard. Other
Committed to the future of rural communities. “USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.” To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD).
improvements included installing a window in the living quarters opening it to natural light and giving it a more open, cozy feeling. Laminate flooring was installed in the kitchen, dining room, and entryway. The drive way was replaced with new concrete and new siding on the 22 year old home gave it a more modern up-to-date look. Ryan Hegel Construction of Horace was the contractor. “Homeownership is important to individuals, families, and communities,” said Carlson. “We are excited for the Holmgren family who now are experiencing the American dream of homeownership. Today’s event re-enforces Rural Development’s commitment in helping rural Americans achieve the dream of homeownership.” As for working with Rural Development, Andrea says “You guys were great; always a friendly voice when calling, always able to answer any of our questions. Rural Development helped us with a major purchase in our life, and there may have been a lot of paperwork, which is with any house-buying, but the patience and understanding of the Rural Development staff was wonderful!” In their honor as new homeowners, the Holmgrens will receive a bush or tree, purchased by the Rural Development Valley City office staff, to be planted in their yard. The Rural Development Valley City office services Barnes, Cass, Dickey, Griggs, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, Steele, Stutsman and Traill counties. For more information about this program and other Rural Development programs, visit our website at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/nd or call (701) 845-5150, Extension 4, or toll-free (800) 688-2293, Extension 4. In Fiscal Year 2006, USDA Rural Development provided over $56.6 million in loan and grant financing to North Dakota citizens. USDA Rural Development is the lead federal entity for rural economic and community development needs. It administers financial and technical assistance through a network of state Rural Development offices, various non-profit and educational institutional partners, and its national office. #