Federal, state and local officials joined USDA Rural Development and the staff and volunteers of Sussex County Habitat for Humanity on Friday for the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of Habitat's new office, 206 Academy St., in Georgetown.
"We all want to find a way to provide affordable housing to our citizens," said Sen. Carper. "I am glad the federal government could provide an affordable office for the staff and volunteers of Habitat. We are blessed to have an organization in Sussex County that is dedicated to delivering vital services that are helping those less fortunate - families have found new hope in the form of affordable housing."
USDA Rural Development has supported the construction of Habitat's new office through their Community Facility Program. The total cost of the project was approximately $900,000. Habitat received a $750,000 low-interest loan and $50,000 grant from USDA. The balance of the funds was provided by Habitat as a result of several small grants received and through their general support fund.
"This is a great program that demonstrates how the U.S. Government, through USDA Rural Development, can partner with communities, non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, or local governments to do what is important and essential to their rural residents," said Jack Tarburton, USDA Rural Development State Director. "During these difficult times, when unemployment is high, I cannot think of a better organization that can help make a positive impact on the health of our rural economy. Lives have been changed because of the great work that they do - providing many families a start in the right direction."
The new 3,500 square foot office is a boost up compared to the 700-square foot office that Habitat leased for 3-years. The new facility will offer support space for volunteers and staff, including plans to rent out 1,000 square feet to another non-profit agency. In addition to supporting home construction through their sweat equity program, Habitat is expanding into home repairs. The organization's four year goal is to assist families with 42 homes and 45 home repairs.
"We are so grateful to the USDA, NCALL Research and other dedicated funders for making it possible for Sussex County Habitat for Humanity to have a home of our own," said Kevin Gilmore, Executive Director Sussex County Habitat for Humanity. "The savings that we realize from owning our building will help in funding simple, decent, and affordable homes for partner families in the future."
USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities. One of President Obama's key initiatives is supporting Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Although the use of government money by faith-based and neighborhood partnership organizations is not new, there are many small grassroots organizations that are not aware, or still have questions about the Federal funding process. USDA Rural Development works to promote the awareness of their programs through a series of events that are held throughout the year.
Last year, the agency returned more than $132 million to rural Delaware to support agriculture, business opportunities, homeownership, home repair, rental housing, health care, education, public safety and social and cultural needs. Additional information on rural programs is available by calling their Georgetown office at 302-856-3990, ext. 4 or by visiting www.rurdev.usda.gov.
GEORGETOWN, DEL. —
