3.2: Housing, Utilities and Community Facilities

IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH USDA FINANCING OF QUALITY HOUSING, MODERN UTILITIES, AND NEEDED COMMUNITY FACILITIES

Other Information:

If new businesses are to operate in a rural community, that community must possess the amenities that businesses require and employees desire. This includes access to such basic needs as clean water, adequate housing, reliable electricity and telecommunications, and such essential needs as quality education, health care, day care, public safety services and cultural activities. If a community cannot meet the public’s essential needs, young people will neither stay in nor migrate to the rural community. USDA is an important source of credit and technical assistance for developing the economic infrastructure of rural America. These resources are essential if rural residents and communities are to improve their quality of life through increased economic opportunity. Availability of adequate housing is critical to the wellbeing of a community. Ensuring that low-income families have access to decent and safe housing is a major concern in every area, whether urban or rural. USDA provides financing for low- and moderate-income rural families who cannot obtain credit from other sources to help them own homes. Owning a home provides stability for families and gives them the opportunity to strengthen their financial condition through the accrual of equity. The President has expressed his desire to increase homeownership, particularly among minorities. He has established a major initiative to increase minority homeownership nationwide. USDA is implementing an action plan aggressively in support of the President’s goal.

Indicator(s):

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