CHAMPAIGN, IL, March 5th, 2025 - Homeownership has become an increasingly difficult achievement for many Americans. Will County resident, Candace, was recently able to achieve her dream on Feb 27th, 2025, thanks to a collaboration between four organizations: USDA Rural Development, Will County Habitat for Humanity, Will County Land Use, and the Illinois Housing Department Authority.                                                                         

The home was constructed through the efforts of the Will County Habitat for Humanity staff and volunteers. USDA Specialist Kristen Reber worked closely with Cynthia Harvey, Will County Habitat for Humanity Director of Family Services, in ensuring the unforgettable first-time homebuyer’s experience for Candace and her daughter. USDA staff joined Will County Habitat for Humanity staff, family, and City Officials including Mayor Doug Jenco in welcoming Candace home to Elwood, IL. Candace is excited to be a first-time homebuyer.  

“We are thrilled to see Candace purchase her own home”, says IL State Director Jesus Ortega. “Our Single-Family Housing program helps thousands of families each year achieve homeownership. Not only does owning a home build generational wealth, but research also shows owning a home increases childhood stability, educational success, and boosts financial security” Ortega continues. “These are all critical pillars to a healthy society, and I’m thrilled to be working with other agencies in IL to help families like Candace’s.” 

The Single Family Direct (502) Loan program assists low and very-low-income applicants in eligible rural areas by providing payment assistance to increase an applicant’s repayment ability. Payment assistance is a type of subsidy that reduces the mortgage payment for a short time. The amount of assistance is determined by the adjusted family income. Borrowers are required to repay all or a portion of the payment subsidy received over the life of the loan when the title to the property transfers or the borrower is no longer living in the dwelling. 

The Section 502 Guaranteed Loan Program assists approved lenders in providing low- and moderate-income households the opportunity to own adequate, modest, decent, safe and sanitary dwellings as their primary residence in eligible rural areas. Eligible applicants may purchase, build, rehabilitate, improve or relocate a dwelling in an eligible rural area with 100% financing. The program provides a 90% loan note guarantee to approved lenders to reduce the risk of extending 100% loans to eligible rural homebuyers – so no money down for those who qualify!

If you are looking to purchase a home in a rural area, a USDA Rural Development loan may be an excellent option for you. Contact your local USDA Rural Development office to explore available options.