Tammye Trevino, Rural Development Housing Administrator, joined me in recognizing two Missouri families in a celebration of reaching the American Dream of homeownership on Monday, June 14, 2010.
It was a wonderful day with perfect weather in the beautiful development in Platte City, Missouri. The townhouses we visited are a little different from the traditional and typical individual single family houses financed by USDA Rural Development in Missouri. However, they are very appealing and offer low maintenance to the two single mothers and their families.
The event was held at the home of Emily Peterson and her son, Julian. Ms. Peterson said, “Throughout the experience of purchasing this beautiful townhome I have been blessed with impeccable timing, gracious people and an opportunity to take advantage of a wonderful home loan from USDA Rural Development. Thank you for the hard work on my behalf. My son and I will reap the benefits for a long time.”
Amy Beery, and her daughter, Jenna, and son, Bo, were also recognized in the celebration. Their home across the street was financed with a direct loan provided through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Beery said, “Thank-you to the USDA, I couldn’t have done this without them.”
As part of the celebration, I presented both families a large a letter of Congratulations from Senator Clair McCaskill, a large mock key, a certificate of appreciation, a welcome mat, and a United States flag. The children were really excited to receive a personalized key ring with their own name on it for the first set of keys for their new homes!
The event in Platte City was the first stop by the administrator on a four state tour of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa to celebrate national Homeownership Month in June. I was to be joined by State Directors Patty Clark of Kansas, Maxine Moul of Nebraska, and Bill Menner of Iowa.
The celebration closed with the a ribbon cutting and release of 60 red and white balloons symbolic of the 60 years of the existence of the rural housing programs in rural areas.
The Amy Beery family receiving a mock key to their new home. Pictured in front: Jena & Bo Beery,
Second front: Amy Beery, new homeowner; Tammye Trevino, USDA Housing Administrator; and Janie Dunning; Missouri State Rural Development Director