Cleveland and Elsie Asher are the proud owners of a new home in southeastern Kentucky, a home made possible through the Asher's efforts and those of a number of local housing partners and government agencies.

Front row: Alexander, granddaughter of Cleveland and Elsie Asher. Back Row: (l-r) Mike Buckles, executive director, Daniel Boone Development Council; Robert Rice, builder; Ruth Martin, Daniel Boone Development Council; Elsie Asher, homeowner; Ben Cook, HUD Louisville Field Office Director; and Cleveland Asher, homeowner.

Though they had once been homeowners, the Asher's had moved from their house because it was in such disrepair that they could no longer live in it. The Ashers contacted the Daniel Boone Development Council, a local non-profit housing group, which provided them with a helping hand in the form of rental assistance.

Then, in early 2002, the Ashers decided they wanted to become homeowners again. First, though, they completed an intense homeownership counseling program. They then took the steps necessary to recover from problems with debt. After that, they had their old house demolished, and pitched-in during the construction of their new home with "sweat equity" so that they could meet the Boone Council's self-help guidelines.

It was a day of celebration with the Ashers moved into their new home, which was made possible through their hard work and the contributions of many local organizations. The couple recently welcomed visitors to their new home in Clay County as part of a recent National Homeownership Month event.

"When Ruth [Ruth Martin, housing program director for the Daniel Boone Development Council] told me what I had to do to get our new home, I was ready to do my part," said Elsie Asher. And this past June, they moved into their new home on Darbs Branch Road.

Martin obtained the needed funding from a number of sources. The Appalachian Regional Commission and Clay County Fiscal Court provided funds to build a new bridge over a stream that bordered the property. HUD provided financing through the Kentucky Housing Corporation, the state housing finance agency. The U.S. Department of Energy provided assistance for energy efficient systems, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided reconstruction loans.

"We feel that by working with other housing agencies, we can achieve long-term goals in providing affordable housing for low- and median-income families," Martin said. "We all benefit. The Asher home is proof that partnerships work."