Photo courtesy Vermont Rural Development Berlin homeowner, Sharon Joslyn receives American Flag from Mike Bard, Rural Development's Montpelier Area Director. MONTPELIER - Receiving a homeownership loan from USDA Rural Development comes with added benefits during the month of June according to Rural Development.

Sharon Joslyn, a Berlin resident, experienced this first hand when her lawn was invaded by representatives from USDA Rural Development and other housing providers for a landscape makeover.

This is one of many events taking place in dozens of communities across the nation that are highlighting this year's theme - Preserving Homeownership, by showcasing the benefits of homeownership, including the resources available to low income homeowners for home preservation.

USDA Rural Development's homeownership loan programs are helping more people than ever. Using Rural Development's resources, Ms. Joslyn became a proud homeowner of her Berlin, VT residence in September 2008. Shortly after moving into her new home, Ms. Joslyn was able to replace her failed heating system with a 1% interest home repair loan. The necessary financial and technical resources to help low and moderate income households purchase or construct a home in eligible rural communities has helped individuals and families to become and remain successful homeowners during difficult economic conditions. USDA Rural Development's home repair loan and grant program funds can be used to increase energy efficiency, reduce health and safety risk and improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. In 2008, USDA Rural Development assisted 286 individuals and families to become homeowners and preserve their homes throughout Vermont.

"Our celebration, though just one day and one event, continues with each and every loan and grant we do." said Michael Bard, Montpelier Area Director. "In April, USDA announced over $3.9 million of homeownership funding made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. These dollars coupled with our annual funds, give us the opportunity to help many more Vermonters realize their dream of homeownership or to preserve their dream of homeownership."