On the Road Across America
A Daily Journal from the Homeownership Express!

Homeownership for rural Americans was the theme of the day as HUD's "Homeownership Express" made stops in two Iowa cities. Nearly a quarter of the occupied homes in this nation are found in rural areas. Yet, even though rural housing conditions have improved over the years, and more rural Americans now live in decent and comfortable homes, it remains a fact that of the nation's 200 poorest counties, 189 are rural. Clearly, more needs to be done. More is being done, and Iowa is helping to lead the way. The Nevada, Iowa, stop highlighted first-time homebuyer Shannon Rosenbeck and the government program that made her dream of homeownership a reality. The Rural Development Mortgage Participation Program provides financial assistance to qualified homebuyers in cities with populations of 20,000 or less. Thomas Dorr, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Under Secretary for Rural Development, was on hand to wish Shannon all the best in her new home. Mayor Patrick Sheets and local housing officials joined in welcoming the new homeowner to the neighborhood. Other participating partners included State Bank and Trust, Iowa Bankers Mortgage, Iowa Fannie Mae Partnership, Iowa Department of Economic Development, the cities of Ames, Collins, Colo, Huxley, McCallsburg, Maxwell, Nevada, Zearing, and the Story County Board of Supervisors. From there, the Express moved on to West Des Moines and settled into its temporary home outside an old fire station. The station now serves as a community center for residents and tourists visiting the many specialty shops that are part of the historic Valley Junction commercial district. Valley Junction is benefiting from a $500,000 Economic Development Initiative Special Projects Grant from HUD that funds the construction or renovation of buildings in historic business districts. The new vitality in this old neighborhood has spurred housing redevelopment projects and an increase in affordable homeownership opportunities. During a special program, Under Secretary Dorr and Federal Home Loan Bank Vice President Curt Heidt presented Region XII Council Governments with the Home Loan Bank Award for Excellence. The honor recognized the tremendously important work Region XII is doing to help low-income families and individuals find affordable homeownership. Through HUD's "Helping Iowa's Rural Economy Program," Region XII has already assisted 38 families in purchasing homes. Tomorrow: Meet Us in St. Louis!

Nevada Mayor Patrick Sheets at the new residence of Shannon Rosenbeck who bought the home through the Departmant of Agriculture. Shannon Rosenbeck in the kitchen of her new home. Shannon applied for a 502 Rural Development housing loan in January. The Honorable Bob Parks City Council Member of West Des Moines, Iowa speaking at a Homeownership Month event. Group shot of Ames and Nevada government officials with Shannon Rosenbeck doing a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of her new home, which she purchased through the Department of Agriculture.

Content Archived: May 3, 2010