USDA loan provides housing for Minnesota nurse

10/12/2011

The United States Department of Agriculture and Habitat for Humanity recently joined forces to provide housing for a mother of three in Mountain Iron, Minnesota, the USDA's blog reports.

Using a USDA loan from the department's Rural Development direct loan program, Jessi Mattila is providing a roof over the head of herself and her children. Hers became the second Minnesota home financed by the USDA with support from HfH. Matila, a nurse from the nearby town of Buhl, was accepted into the program which helps low-income borrowers who aren't able to obtain financing achieve homeownership.

"Habitat for Humanity will be a valuable partner for USDA," said Colleen Landkamer, rural development state director in Minnesota. "Jessi's new home will be a shining example of how homeownership builds sustainable communities and increases economic opportunities in rural communities."

Carpentry students from Eveleth-based Mesabi Range Community & Technical College will assist with volunteer labor on the project, which is being built in accordance to the state's Green Communities standards. Mattila will fulfill the HfH program's "sweat equity" requirements by working with the students to gain home maintenance skills and help her home become more energy efficient and sustainable.