June is National Homeownership Month. Now as much as ever, homeownership can bring financial stability, personal equity, stronger communities, job creation and economic growth.

The Area IX Office of USDA Rural Development, located in Shelby with a satellite office in Statesville, N.C., is responsible for administering several rural housing and community development programs in a nine county region: Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, McDowell, Polk and Rutherford. They are coordinating a Homeownership Opportunities Fair to take place from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 25 at the Isothermal Community College Conference Center in Spindale, N.C.

Several key individuals and organizations are helping to make this event a success; among them are Forest City Town Planner, Danielle Withrow, Stanley McEntire from Community Empowerment Program, Isothermal Planning & Development Commission Executive Director Jim Edwards and Jamie Harrington, United Carolina Mortgage Group branch manager.

“Homeownership is the heart of the American Dream and the foundation of our communities and the economy,” said Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC). “In the midst of economic downturn, however, this dream has become harder to achieve for average Americans. I applaud USDA Rural Development for their commitment to providing safe, affordable housing for residents in Western North Carolina who need it.”

Rep. Patrick McHenry said, “Hard working American families dream of owning a home and a piece of their community. A thoughtful investment in your own home is a solid foundation to build upon. USDA-Rural Development continues to help the families of my district, from Beech Mountain to Crowders Mountain, in attaining the dream of homeownership.”

Warren C. Smith, USDA-RD area director, said that “…the purpose of the Fair and National Homeownership Month activities is to 1) promote, educate and inform the community about the importance and benefits of owning a home and 2) provide housing industry and service providers with a forum to share vital knowledge and current updates on what is available to those who may be interested in becoming homeowners or enhancing their current home. We will reach out to potential first-time homebuyers, community organizations, homeowners and other interested parties in Cleveland, Rutherford, McDowell and Polk counties”

Mortgage lenders, housing counselors, government representatives, closing attorneys, home builders, home insurance companies, home improvement stores, real estate professionals and others will be at booths and displays, as well as conduct mini-seminars related to the home buying process, during this event. There will also be give-aways and door prizes provided by sponsors and vendors.

For more information, contact rural development in Shelby at 704-471-0235, ext. 4; or in Statesville at 704-872-5061.

– article submitted by Kevin M. Oliver