A Breakthrough Partnership for Rural Homeownership
A groundbreaking partnership between USDA, IHDA, and Habitat for Humanity has led to the first successful closing using USDA’s 502 loan product paired with IHDA’s down payment assistance—unlocking new opportunities for affordable homeownership in designated rural communities. This innovative collaboration made it possible for Candace, a single mother seeking stability for her daughter, to purchase a brand-new home built by Will County Habitat for Humanity. Celebrated in recent USDA and IHDA newsletters, this milestone marks the beginning of a powerful model for helping families achieve the dream of homeownership.
Candace, who works as a Service Coordinator in a senior living facility, had been living with her young daughter and her fiancé until he suffered a traumatic brain injury back in 2019. As his focus shifted to healing and recovery, Candace moved back into her childhood home on the southside of Chicago with her daughter to start their own road to recovery. As a single mother to a vibrant eight year old, Candace wanted to be able to provide her daughter with a stable and loving home as she helped her work through the pain of missing her father, her home, and her dog in such a short amount of time. Candace needed assistance with putting the pieces together of what can feel like a homeownership puzzle.
Candace reached out to certified loan application packager, Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity, who assisted her in completing and submission of her USDA loan application package and connected her with Will County Habitat for Humanity who was in the process of a new home development in an eligible rural area of Will County. The pieces continued to come together through down payment assistance programs supplied by Habitat for Humanity, Will County Land Use, and the Illinois Housing Development Authority, with the final piece coming from the USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing (SFH) direct loan program. Candace was able to purchase a brand-new home that was constructed through the efforts of the Will County Habitat staff and volunteers.
For the home dedication and key ceremony, USDA SFH Direct Loan Specialist, Kristen Reber, worked closely with Will County Habitat’s Director of Family Services, Cynthia Harvey, to ensure an unforgettable first-time homebuyer’s experience for Candace and her daughter. Illinois USDA Rural Development staff, including State Director, Jesus Ortega, joined Habitat for Humanity staff, family, and City Officials in welcoming Candace home.
The new home will help restore a sense of normalcy in the lives of Candace and her daughter, and also give Candace’s parents back their own home to enjoy being retired seniors again. Candace’s daughter now has room to play, and her dog, Sir, can join them in their new home.
Candace is excited to be a first time homebuyer, and thankful for the community that helped her put the pieces together to help her achieve her dream.
