Charles Varner of Moriarty, NM is honored with a U.S. Flag for his service in the U.S. Navy and for becoming a homeowner. Varner was presented the flag by Moriarty, Mayor Ted Hart and USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner
ALBUQUERQUE, NM, June 16, 2015 -USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner came to Moriarty, New Mexico to continue the month-long celebration of homeownership (see attached below) by honoring Charles Varner a Navy veteran.
The visit is one of numerous events held across the nation and one of seven events here in New Mexico during the month of June. The activities and events are focusing on housing's role in creating jobs and stimulating economic activity.
As part of the homeownership celebration, Brunner presented a U.S. Flag to Varner and said, "It's an honor for me to say thank you to Charlie Varner for his service to our country in the U.S. Navy." Brunner added, "It is also a pleasure to know that our agency was able to help Mr. Varner become a homeowner for the first time through our direct home loan program."
Varner served in the U.S. Navy as an optical man. In this position he repaired periscopes aboard various types of submarines. He was stationed in New London, Connecticut at the naval base which is the Navy's primary east coast submarine base, also known as the "Home of the Submarine Force." Currently Varner works for the Lobo internet computer service here in Albuquerque where as a technician he installs and provides support to the company's clients.
Although the national theme for this year's homeownership month celebration is; "Let's Build a Better Future Together," it was decided here in New Mexico to also honor three veterans for their service to our country and for realizing their dream to become a homeowner.
Varner's home was purchased through the Direct Loan program offered by USDA Rural Development. Varner reports the existing home is the first house the 50-year old has ever owned in his life. He moved into the three bedroom 1354 square foot home in Moriarty in April of this year.
USDA Rural Development and partners across the nation are holding numerous activities to bring attention to homeownership as a major economic driver. During the events, information is made available to educate the public on how to purchase a home and access financial support for business development and expansion.
In fiscal year 2014, USDA Rural Development awarded $65 million in loans in grants in 10 housing programs which directly affected 557 rural families of New Mexico.
The National Homeownership Month celebration began in 1997 as a challenge to increase the number of homeowners throughout the United States. Government studies have shown that homeownership is a key element in the nation's economy with the housing industry accounting for about 15 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in a typical year. Studies also show that neighborhoods are strengthened when there is a higher percentage of homeownership. Homeowners are proven to be more active in their neighborhoods, they contribute more to their communities and a more stable environment for families is created.
It is also believed that without a strong business environment, the possibility of buying a home is very difficult. Outreach activity conducted by Rural Development during the month of June focuses on one-on-one visits with small business owners to explain the various business programs offered by USDA Rural Development for the development and expansion of small businesses in rural New Mexico.
USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at any local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov
### 2015 Homeownership Month Event Listing
May 30, 2015 Portales, NM -A housing presentation will be made USDA RD staff Ray Melton and Brad Gallimore on the 502 Direct and the GRH housing programs at the Homespot's fourth annual housing seminar located at 42479 US Highway 70, Portales, NM 88130
June 1, 2015 Albuquerque, NM -The National Homeownership month celebration will continue with the naming of the late Albert "Al" Heller as the housing "HERO" of the year. The "HERO" award is not given every year and is only awarded to someone in the housing industry in New Mexico who has been exemplary in their work to provide housing opportunities to the people of New Mexico. This year the award is being made posthumously to his widow Kathy Heller. Mr. Heller was an employee of USDA Rural Development and he specialized in working with low income families qualify for the 502 Direct Loan program which provided no down payment for the home loan. He also provided financial support to rural residents through the 504 Rehabilitation grant and loan program so they could upgrade their home. Mr. Heller especially enjoyed helping the elderly qualify for a $7500 grant through this program to rehabilitate their home. Mr. Heller passed away early this year after a long battle with cancer that was attributed to Agent Orange which he came in contact with during his service in the Air Force in Viet Nam. The event will be held at 11:00 am at the Southwest Housing Neighborhood Services offices located at 63014th St NW, in Albuquerque, NM.
June 16, 2015 Moriarty, NM -Homeownership month event to honor Charles Varner a veteran who received a home loan through USDA Rural Development. The event will be held at Mr. Varner's home located at 304 Linden Avenue in Moriarty, NM 87035, at 10:00 AM where he will be given an American Flag to honor his service to the people of the United States.
June 19, 2015 Gallup, NM -Homeownership month event to dedicate the remodeling of the Sunset Hills apartment complex located at 204 Rudy Lane Gallup, NM 87301
June 25, 2015 Silver City, NM -Homeownership month groundbreaking event to honor Jim Keels a veteran that has received a home loan through USDA Rural Development. The event will be held at Mr. Keels' home site located at 927 Camino De Sueños in the Vistas De Plata Subdivision in Silver City, NM where his new home will be built. Mr. Keels will be given an American Flag to honor his service to the people of the United States.
June 25, 2015 Silver City, NM -Homeownership month event where State Director Terry Brunner will present a U.S. Flag to Ms. Priscilla Arredondo who qualified for a home loan through USDA Rural Development. Ms. Arrendondo's home is currently under construction also at the Vistas De Plata Subdivision and the event will take place at the construction site of her home located at 928 Camino De Sueños in the Vistas De Plata Subdivision in Silver City, NM.
July1, 2015 Farmington, NM -Mr. Daniel Roll a veteran will be honored for receiving a Guaranteed Rural Housing (GRH) home loan through USDA Rural Development and Sunwest Mortgage. The event will be held at his home located at 1168 Mockingbird Circle, Farmington, NM 87401.