WASHINGTON, D.C. – Acting Deputy Undersecretary for Rural Development Roger Glendenning on June 1 kicked off National Homeownership Month to celebrate the vital contribution homeowners have made to communities across rural America.

“Owning a home provides rural residents a secure environment where they can raise families, and it helps invigorate local rural economies that are vital to the long-term security and well-being of our nation,” Glendenning said. “Homeownership fortifies communities, creates jobs and strengthens the local businesses that support our towns.”

USDA provides mortgage loan guarantees through partnerships with private-sector lenders to help low- to moderate-income rural homebuyers. In 2016 alone, USDA worked with nearly 1,500 lenders to help 116,000 rural individuals and families buy homes.

USDA has helped more than 4.1 million rural residents buy homes since the National Housing Act was passed 68 years ago.

Department of Agriculture employees will celebrate National Homeownership Month throughout June with events across the nation that demonstrate the department’s longstanding commitment to provide affordable housing opportunities for rural Americans. To learn more about USDA’s observance of National Homeownership Month, visit USDA’s Facebook page or www.rd.usda.gov.