Terry Brunner Guest Editorial: USDA Rural Development Marks 60th Anniversary of Housing Act of 1949

This is a guest editorial by Terry Brunner, who's the State Director of USDA Rural Development in New Mexico.

2009 marks the 60th anniversary of the passage of the Housing Act of 1949. The Act was the result of a bi-partisan effort led by President Truman and Senator Robert Taft to pass legislation that pledged a “decent home and suitable living environment for every American family” at a time in our nation’s history when 30% of living units lacked one or more basic plumbing facilities.

This year USDA is celebrating the signing of this law with special events and ceremonies across the nation. Last week, in Anthony, New Mexico, we presented more than $600,000 to Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation to help low income New Mexicans buy or rehabilitate their home.

Many Americans do not know that the Department of Agriculture plays a major role in providing homeownership and home repair assistance to millions of citizens living in rural areas. USDA became involved in housing as a direct result of the poor living conditions farm laborers faced in the early 20th Century. Since that time, housing quality and ability has certainly improved but as the recent home lending crisis proved, dependable housing continues to be at-risk.

USDA is there to help. We provide loans and grants to help individuals build, buy or improve their home. We provide assistance to those seeking to rent and to seniors who want just want to stay in their home.

To date, Rural Development has issued more than $124 billion in housing loans, grants and loan guarantees that have helped 3.4 million rural Americans purchase or improve their existing home. Here in New Mexico, Rural Development has made more than $355 million dollars in loans and grants to more than 7800 families in the last 60 years.

In communities of 20,000 or less we have programs that help prospective homeowners buy a home with no money down, eliminate mortgage insurance or provide 100% financing. Those that are interested may contact one of our offices in Albuquerque, Aztec, Las Cruces, Las Vegas, Los Lunas, and Roswell.

When President Lincoln created the USDA he called it "The Peoples Department” and we will continue to strive for excellence in the delivery of our programs to our fellow citizens who live in rural America. The USDA seeks to ensure that everyone has access to better housing, clean water and good jobs through the funding programs we oversee.

TERRY BRUNNER
USDA Rural Development
State Director

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