Community Housing Services Receives USDA Rural Development Funding
Wichita, KS – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks was joined today by USDA Rural Development National Administrator of Housing and Community Facilities Programs, Russell T. Davis in presenting Community Housing Services Executive Director June Bailey with a ceremonial check for $100,000 in Agency funding. Selection of the project was approved under the USDA’s Technical and Supervisory Assistance Grant Program.
USDA Rural Development and Community Housing Services recently announced an innovative partnership to help promote the availability of financing for more affordable single-family housing in eligible areas of south-central Kansas and the Greensburg area.
“USDA Rural Development looks forward to working with the Community Housing Services NeighborWorks® Homeownership Center to help advance the availability of more affordable housing in the region, using the Agency’s various housing programs to assist income-eligible residents. Providing qualified individuals and families the opportunity to own their own home is essential to these prospective homebuyers who wish to enjoy the American Dream. Homeownership is a key component to improving lives, building personal prosperity and improving communities, commented USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks at today’s announcement.
Senator Roberts commenting on today’s announcement said, “I am pleased to support this partnership, which is vital to improve the development of affordable housing and viable communities in south-central Kansas.”
Staff representatives from U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt, and U.S. Congressman Jerry Moran participated in today’s event.
“Community Housing Services is happy to help with the rebuilding of Greensburg in this way. We felt that as a NeighborWorks® Organization and a Community Development Organization that we needed to reach out where we could, to assist where we can, and offer up what we know in order to help in the rebuilding efforts. Kansas is rich with people that care about others. We wanted to be able to help in a way that supported the community and the citizens. This grant allows that to happen in a positive way for everyone”, remarked Community Housing Services Executive Director June Bailey.
The ‘CHS - USDA Partnership’ will include allowing the Wichita-based housing nonprofit to package and process USDA Rural Development’s single-family housing loan program applications for very-low and low income individuals and families living in south-central Kansas. CHS and USDA will also be exploring other opportunities to help improve the housing status of Kansans who met the Agency’s program requirements. During FY2006, USDA Rural Development delivered over $100 million in housing programs and assistance to individuals, families and communities; eligible locations include rural areas and towns of up to 20,000 in population.
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs that support increasing economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life of rural Americans. As a venture capital entity, USDA Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure in rural America. Since 2001 USDA Rural Development has delivered over $1 billion in funding assistance for Kansas, supporting over $5 billion in future community and economic development benefiting all Kansans.
Additional information regarding USDA Rural Development’s programs can be obtained by contacting the Agency’s Newton office at 316-283-0370. Individuals may also call the Agency’s state headquarters at 785-271-2700 or log onto the state’s USDA Rural Development website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks
USDA Rural Development – Committed to the Future of Rural Communities.
