**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:**

Tammi Schone - (605) 352-1102

**[DREAMS OF OWNING A HOME]{.underline}**

**(Chamberlain, South Dakota -- September 13, 2006)** Darrell Gruenewald
is a hard working, 33 year old gentleman who holds three jobs and
resides in Chamberlain, South Dakota. One of his dreams has always been
to own his own home. Darrell does have a developmental disability and
had no credit line as he was unable to get a loan of any kind.

He purchased a home through a contract for deed but was unable to afford
this home due to high payments and the need to have two other roommates
to help make this payment. To his disappointment he had to sign this
home back over to the original owner. This owner had another home for
sale and the contract was drawn up to purchase this home. It seemed more
affordable, but was going to require large payments, higher interest
rates and he would still have to continue to come up with the extra
money for his taxes and insurance.

Dakota Milestone, the agency providing services for Darrell, contacted
Rural Development to see what assistance they could provide Darrell in
financing this home. After inspection by Rural Development the home was
found not suitable for Rural Development financing.

Rural Development made several visits to guide Darrell in finding him a
home that was acceptable to fit in their program as well as a suitable
home for his needs. They also provided Dakota Milestones and Darrel with
more education about finding a home that was structurally sound as well
as affordable.

Darrell is on a fixed income which was not going to change and any home
he was to purchase needed to be within his budget for many years to
come.

After looking at several homes one came on the market that was perfect
for Darrell. The home was a 5 year old governor's home consisting of 768
square feet with 2 bedrooms and a single car garage. Based on Darrell's
limited income Rural Development could provide assistance that enabled
him to purchase this newer home.

The people at Rural Development worked closely with Darrell and Dakota
Milestones in order to guide them and make the entire process easy and
understandable for everyone.

Rural Development went one step further and provided information
allowing Darrell to apply for a HOAP grant which assisted him in closing
cost, needed repairs, and educational information about buying a home.
This information was very important in providing Darrell with a better
understanding of financial issues and the responsibilities of home
ownership.

This loan for Darrell Gruenewald enabled him to have a home of his own
that was safe, sanitary and affordable without needing continual repairs
and upkeep. He will be able to establish a credit line for the future.
The payments are low enough and include additional expenses such as
yearly taxes and insurance that has been difficult for him to pay in the
past.

The assistance and education that Rural Development has provided for
Darrell has enabled Dakota Milestones to share this opportunity with
other people receiving services, who are also on a fixed income with no
credit line.

Currently a young lady is in the process of buying her own home through
Rural Development and several other people are looking into the exciting
prospect of owning their own home.

USDA Rural Development has ten offices in the state that assist rural
communities.  Office locations include a state office in Huron, along
with area offices in Aberdeen, Huron, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City,
Sioux Falls, Sturgis, Watertown, and Yankton.

 

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that
will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of
life of rural residents.  As a venture capital entity, Rural Development
provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in
homeownership, business development, and critical community and
technology infrastructure.  Further information on rural programs is
available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's
web site at <http://www/rurdev.usda.gov>.

**- USDA -**