Members of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development North Carolina team celebrated a family’s milestone of the American Dream of homeownership when they cut a ribbon and welcomed the family into their home earlier this week.

The families partnered with Rural Development, utilizing the Single-Family Housing Direct Home Loans program, also known as the Section 502 Direct Loan Program.

“National Homeownership Month is a time to celebrate the life-changing impact that safe, affordable homeownership can have on families and communities,” said USDA Rural Development Area Director Larry Sampson in a press release. “Today’s ribbon cutting represents more than a new house—it represents stability, opportunity, and the fulfillment of the American Dream. Through USDA Rural Development’s Section 502 Direct Loan Program, we are helping hardworking rural families achieve homeownership and build a stronger financial future. We are proud to partner with families across North Carolina and provide the resources they need to put down roots and thrive in the communities they call home.”

The Section 502 Direct Loan Program assists low-and very-low-income applicants obtain decent, safe and sanitary housing in eligible rural areas by providing payment assistance to increase an applicant’s repayment ability.

USDA Rural Development provides loans, grants and technical assistance to support economic development, infrastructure and quality-of-life improvements in rural communities across North Carolina and the nation.

To learn more about USDA Rural Development programs, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/nc.