Committed to the Future

of Rural Communities

2003

ANNUAL REPORT

FLORIDA / U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 
Rural Development Mission

ENHANCE THE ABILITY OF RURAL COMMUNITIES TO

DEVELOP, TO GROW, AND TO IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY

OF LIFE BY TARGETING FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL

RESOURCES IN AREAS OF GREATEST NEED THROUGH

ACTIVITIES OF GREATEST POTENTIAL.
The Bush Administration has made great

strides in supporting investments in America’s

rural communities. From the successful implementation of the 2002 Farm Bill to passage of

the Healthy Forest Restoration Act, President

Bush’s policies are helping strengthen the 

economic health of rural America.

Through USDA’s Rural Development programs, it is estimated that over

510,000 jobs have been created or saved since the beginning of the Bush

Administration. USDA has invested nearly $2.5 billion for rural business development in the form of loans, grants and technical assistance.

We are also working with local communities to build and strengthen

economic development partnerships with state and local governments.

Some $183 million has been invested in Empowerment Zones and

Enterprise Communities (EZ/ECs). This investment is complemented

by the leveraging of USDA funds to help attract $422 million in other

federal investments and $739 million in non-federal investments to

EZ/ECs and other supported communities.

Major investments have been made in developing value-added industries, with a focus on promoting renewable energy. Over $35 million has

been provided to support the development and marketing of renewable

energy and the creation of energy efficient systems in rural areas. Rural

infrastructure, such as education, healthcare, telecommunications,

water treatment and community facilities, has been supported by more

than $13 billion in grants and loans. More than $10.2 billion has been

invested in rural housing, much of which supports the President’s ambitious goal to increase minority homeownership by 5.5 million by 2010.

As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to ensuring that investments in rural Florida continue to bring new economic opportunities

and an improved quality of life to rural families and communities.

Ann M. Veneman

SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE

Committed to the Future

of Rural Communities

“...AND WE WILL NOT

STOP, WE WILL NOT

TIRE UNTIL WE HAVE

EXTENDED THE GREAT

PROMISE OF AMERICA

TO EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD IN AMERICA.”

JULY 28, 2003

—GEORGE W. BUSH

PRESIDENT OF THE

UNITED STATES
Citizens and community leaders throughout rural America share a common desire to

bring economic opportunity and an improved quality of life to their community. There

is a remarkable cohesiveness amongst rural citizens that allows the energy and enthusiasm of local citizens to harness the resources needed to bring solutions to economic and

social issues facing their community.

As rural America’s venture capital bank, USDA Rural Development seeks to support local

efforts by providing financing to create housing, business development, technology and community infrastructure and essential community facilities. Over the last year, the Bush Administration

through USDA Rural Development has provided over $13 billion in capital financing to assist

rural citizens and communities invest in their future.

USDA Rural Development capital investments in FY 2003 include; assisting over 43,000 families

realize their dream of homeownership; assisting over 100 rural agri-businesses with financing of

energy efficiency and renewable energy systems that support energy independence for America

and that supports President Bush’s national energy plan; assisting with the financing of over

12,000 business ventures to create or save nearly 90,000 jobs; and assisting with the financing of

community infrastructure and facilities that will benefit an estimated 7 million rural citizens. In

total, over 350,000 jobs are expected to be created or saved as a result of the financing provided by

USDA Rural Development.

USDA Rural Development has a dedicated team of professionals with over 40 financial and technical assistance programs available to assist rural communities improve their economic opportunities and an improved quality of life. I encourage you to contact our staff in Florida to learn more

about ways that USDA Rural Development can be of assistance to you and your community.

Gilbert Gonzalez

ACTING UNDER SECRETARY FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Contents

Rural America contributes to the economic and social wellbeing of the nation, and the diverse people, landscapes, and

cultural traditions that constitute rural America make our

country strong. It is clear that in order for America to prosper, rural America must prosper.

Supporting President George W. Bush’s vision of an economically strong America, Rural Development has diligently worked throughout the

past year in bringing opportunities to rural communities. And we are proud of the

tangible results realized in Florida through the Rural Development programs.

Rural Development has a long and proud heritage of investing in the rural sector,

bringing improved housing, creating jobs, and strengthening communities. And we

accomplished a great deal in Fiscal Year 2003. From housing, to fire protection, to

healthcare, to fresh drinking water, to sanitary waste systems to emerging businesses,

Rural Development has helped people attain a higher quality of life and businesses

enjoy greater measures of success in Florida and the Virgin Islands.

I would like to express sincere thanks to our numerous partners and the congressional delegation for their commitment to the very important work in which we are

all engaged. I am especially proud of Rural Development employees, who made our

programs more effective and wide reaching through their tireless efforts and dedication. It is through their commitment that the greatest value for our customer —

Rural America — is realized.

Looking forward to the coming year, we are dedicated to continuing our work, and

helping rural communities share in the American dream. And finally, as we move

forward, we must keep our focus on what’s important – pursuing excellence and

delivering results.

I am pleased to present the 2003 Annual Report for Florida/U.S. Virgin Islands.

Please take this opportunity to review the following pages and share in the rewards

we receive in delivering Rural Development programs.

Charles W. Clemons, Sr.

STATE DIRECTOR

FLORIDA / U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Rural Utilities 6

Community Facilities 8

Rural Business-Cooperative 10

Multi Family Housing 12

Single Family Housing 14

Investment in America 16

Administrative 17

Programs of Emphasis 17

Rural Development Offices 18

CONTACT INFORMATION:

United States Department of Agriculture

Rural Development

P.O. Box 147010

Gainesville, FL 32614-7010

www.rurdev.usda.gov/fl/
RURAL UTILITIES PROGRAM

ural families across America continue to 

benefit from USDA Rural Development 

programs. Clean, safe and affordable water is

essential to the economic well-being and

quality of life for all of the nation’s rural 

residents. The Rural Utilities Program offers financial and

technical assistance for development and operation of safe

and affordable water supply and waste disposal systems.

Rural Utilities provides loans, grants and loan guarantees for drinking water, sanitary sewer, solid waste and storm

drainage facilities in rural areas and cities and towns of

10,000 or less in population.

In Fiscal Year 2003, many of Florida’s rural residents

shared in the benefits of Rural Development financial and

technical assistance. Rural Utilities programs provided for

infrastructure and community development needs throughout the state by committing over $40 million in Water and

Waste Direct and Guaranteed Loans and Grants to local governmental and community based organizations. These funds

were used to finance new as well as improved water and

wastewater facilities and modern telecommunications links.

In FY 2003, over $27.1 million were used for water 

systems, $9.1 million for wastewater treatment facilities and

$4 million for use in wastewater collection systems.

Projects financed in Fiscal Year 2003 included

new water and waste systems providing expanded service

areas to communities faced with inadequate or improperly functioning onsite systems. Major renovation and

rehabilitation of facilities to meet state regulatory

requirements were financed, as were major system

expansions to meet growth needs and provide established service levels to customers.

The following are examples of projects that were funded

in FY 2003.

Putnam County Board of County Commissioners received $7.2 million for a new

regional water system. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jim Moseley was on hand

marking the occasion with Putnam County Commissioner Nancy Harris.

F unding was provided for a new regional water system in

Putnam County, Florida, to serve unincorporated East

Palatka and San Mateo.

These communities lacked basic infrastructure such

as water and sewer facilities, negatively impacting the

area’s growth and development, as well as threatening

sensitive environmental lands. Alternative water sources

were used extensively throughout the area. With the

assistance of USDA Rural Development and other funding sources, seven wells and three elevated storage tanks

will be constructed. The new regional water system will

meet the needs of residents and businesses while providing quality water service at a reasonable cost.

R

Water System – Putnam County

Helping Communities Meet Infrastructure Needs

USDA Funds help rural communities meet their infrastructure and

community development needs in 2003

6 2003 ANNUAL REPORT

Water & Wastewater Loan & Grant Funding

BY FACILITY TYPE - FY 2003
RURAL UTILITIES PROGRAM

Water & Waste Funding (1999-2003)

Fiscal Year 2003 water and wastewater projects were a

major area of program emphasis. The demand for

technical and financial assistance to rural Florida/Virgin

Islands communities remains strong, with funding over the

past five years providing a stable source of assistance to

rural America.

Waste Treatment – Sneads

I

n Fiscal Year 2003, Rural Utilities programs provided

funding for the second and final phase of the

upgrade/expansion for the town of Sneads sewer system.

This rural community in the Florida panhandle has

operated a central sewer system since 1974. Over time the

aging system deteriorated, unable to meet the needs of the

community and the demand created by growth in the area.

Operating under a Florida Department of Environmental

Protection order to correct system inadequacies, the town

turned to USDA Rural Development for assistance. With

Phase I completed and Phase II well underway, the rural

community of Sneads and the environment are benefiting

from the proper treatment and disposal of wastewater.

Holt Water Works, Inc., an Okaloosa County nonprofit

corporation, was organized in 1966 to provide drinking

water service to the community of Holt and adjacent rural

areas. With assistance from Rural Development, Holt Water

Works partnered with the Okaloosa County Economic

Development Council to secure an Economic Development

Administration grant for system upgrades and expansion.

Rural Development provided $1,295,400 for the water

system that will serve an additional 150 users and an area

industrial park, as well as providing improved fire protection benefits. The expanded system will enhance the park’s

ability to attract viable businesses, creating jobs in the local

community which is of vital importance to economic

growth and sustainability.

2003 ANNUAL REPORT 7

Water System – Holt Water Works, Inc.

I

n 2003, residents of the town of Apalachicola,

located on the Gulf Coast at the mouth of the

Apalachicola River, turned on their spigots for

fresh clean water. With Rural Development assistance, the town has three new wells and an

improved water plant/distribution system that

meets the requirements of the Florida

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Water Plant – Apalachicola
COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM

ommunity Facilities administers programs

designed to develop essential community

facilities for public use in rural areas.

Facilities include schools, libraries, childcare, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations,

community centers, public buildings and transportation.

Throughout rural Florida and the U.S. Virgin

Islands, the Community Facility Program (CF) remains a

strong feature of Rural Development financial assistance

programs, with emphasis placed on projects impacting

health care and public safety.

For many rural communities, funding these types of

facilities can be especially challenging. But with assistance from Rural Development, low income rural areas

are benefiting from Community Facilities programs that

encourage financial leveraging from state and rural 

partners as well as the contributions from the communities.

In Florida during FY 2003, $5.9 million were awarded

through Direct Loans, over $7 million awarded through

Guaranteed Loans and $293,000 awarded through grants.

This Community Facilities funding represents Florida/

Virgin Island FY 2003 obligations of 102 percent of the

Direct Loan allocation, 100 percent of the Grant allocation, and 187 percent of the Guaranteed Loan allocation.

Over the past five years, rural Floridians have benefited from over $58.4 million in Community Facilities

Programs loan and grant assistance, one of the most 

successful program areas nationwide.

C

Improving Rural Family Quality of Life

Facility funds support education, healthcare and emergency facilities

8 2003 ANNUAL REPORT

$14

$12

$10

$8

$6

$4

$2

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

in millions of dollars

Community Facility Fund (1999-2003)

Citrus County ARC, Inc., a community based, nonprofit corporation located in Lecanto, Florida, has successfully operated a training facility for developmentally

disabled persons in the rural area of Citrus County since

1990. A $2 million

Community Facilities

Direct Loan will be

used to construct a

new 11,000 square

foot, multi-purpose

community center on

a 10-acre site, serving

nearly 300 developmentally disabled

individuals.

The community

center will complement the recently constructed Key

Training Center, a 12, 000 square foot thrift store work 

center providing vocational training, job skills training and

job placement services. A Community Facilities Loan of

$539,000 made possible the property improvements and

repairs to the Key Training Center.

Citrus County ARC
Washington County Library, a 7,000 square foot, stateof-the-art facility, located next to Chipley City Hall,

provides much more than books to the community.

Available to patrons are free Internet access, word processing,

fax machine, copy machine, microfilm reader, online encyclopedias, videos, audios, interlibrary loan service, child safety programs, and more. USDA Rural Development provided

$500,000 in loans and grants toward construction of the

facility, bringing social and economic benefits to this rural

community in northwest Florida.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROGRAM

Organized in 1988, Trenton Medical Center, Inc., a

non-profit corporation, successfully owned and

operated a medical clinic in Trenton, Florida, the county seat of Gilchrist County. Serving the youngest rural

residents, Trenton Medical Center operated a Pediatric

Medical Service from a mobile building. After only 

two years of operation, the pediatric clinic outgrew the

facility, with the building becoming functionally 

obsolete. With USDA Rural Development assistance,

Trenton Medical Center constructed a 5,960 sq. ft. medical center, doubling its current space, and is now able to

provide quality medical care and expand its service to

Gilchrist County.

2003 ANNUAL REPORT 9

Community Facilities Portfolio

Washington County Library

Community Facilities Program

Type Facility % ($)

Hospitals 6.6%

Medical Clinic 13.1%

Other Health Care 11.5%

Public Safety 24.6%

Public Service 11.5%

Cultural and Educational 1.6%

Transportation 1.6%

All Other 27.9%

Recreation Association (Servicing) 1.6%

Trenton Pediatrics Clinic

Through the Community Facilities Programs, Rural

Development is striving to ensure that essential 

community facilities are readily available to all rural communities. The program provides loans, loan guarantees,

and in some instances, small grants to develop essential 

community facilities such as health care clinics, police

and fire stations, schools, etc., that are essential to the

quality of life in rural areas up to 20,000 in population.

Loans, loan guarantees and grants are available to

financially sound non-profit corporations, public entities, special-purpose districts and tribal governments that

have legal authority to borrow and repay loans, to pledge

security for loans, and to construct, operate and maintain

the facilities. Funds may be used to construct, enlarge or

improve community facilities for health care, public safety and public services, and acceptable costs include costs

to acquire land, professional fees, construction costs and

to purchase equipment for operations.

Community Facilities Programs continue making vital

contributions to the quality of life of rural Americans.
he Rural Business-Cooperative Program 

promotes economic vitality and quality of life

in rural communities through loan and grant

programs providing financial and technical

assistance to businesses, economic development organizations, local government and others.

Rural Business-Cooperative Program assists rural communities in furthering their goals of economic development

and job creation by supporting the growth of both small and

large businesses. In Fiscal Year 2003, over $19.5 million

helped to produce more than 1000 jobs and assist over 90

businesses in rural Florida communities.

Business & Industry Guaranteed Loans (B&I) program

creates incentives for banks and rural business lenders to

promote the establishment of businesses in rural communities with populations less than 50,000. The Rural BusinessCooperative Program provides loan guarantees up to 

$10 million to lenders, providing additional incentive for

business lending that saves or creates jobs in rural areas.

In 2003, Rural Business-Cooperative Program

invested over $17.6 million in Florida through the

Business & Industry Guaranteed Loans program.

A Rural Development Guaranteed Loan to Community

Bank & Trust financed the purchase of the Heritage

Properties of Santa Rosa, Inc., a newly constructed 120-bed

nursing home/Alzheimer facility that had never opened.

Now in operation, the facility created 95 job opportunities in

the rural Santa Rosa County area.

Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG) focus on the

financing and facilitation of small and emerging businesses or incubators in rural areas of less than 50,000 in

population. Funding is awarded to private non-profits,

public bodies, and Indian tribes. In 2003, over $1 million in Rural Business Enterprise Grants funding were

awarded in Florida.

Rural Economic Development Loans and Grants

(REDLG) program provides funds to electric or telephone utilities financed by USDA Rural Utilities

Program. The utilities recipient establishes a revolving

loan fund to finance economic development and job 

creation projects in rural areas.

Community development projects, education, medical

facilities and incubator development are examples of

revolving fund activities. In 2003, Rural BusinessCooperative Program funded $681,660 in Rural Economic

Development Loans and Grants projects to strengthen

Florida’s rural communities.

RURAL BUSINESS COOPERATIVE PROGRAM

T

Building Sustainable Communities

Jobs of critical importance were created in 

rural communities throughout the state in 2003

10 2003 ANNUAL REPORT

Rural Business Activities FY 2003

Nature’s Way Nursery of Miami, Inc 

A Business and Industry Loan was approved 

for Nature’s Way Nursery to provide working

capital for expanding the nursery business and to

refinance short term debt to improve cash flow for

the business. This project allowed the business to

retain 252 jobs and create 25 additional employment opportunities in the Dade County area.
RURAL BUSINESS COOPERATIVE PROGRAM

olk County based Citrus World, a cooperative

of 12 grower organizations, received a Value

Added Grant for market development in

Asian countries. Cooperative member, Florida’s

Natural Growers, produce Florida’s Natural Brand

orange and grapefruit juices that are currently distributed in the United States and over 24 countries worldwide. The new marketing thrust involves packaging

products for distribution in Asian countries where

consumer demand is for smaller size containers.

2003 ANNUAL REPORT 11

Value Added Agricultural Product

Market Development Grant

P

Loans and Grants Funded in Florida FY 2003

Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG), Rural Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG),

Rural Economic Development Loans (REDL), Value Added Producer Grants (VADG) 

and Business and Industry Loan Guarantees (B&I) funded in Florida/VI during FY 2003

Area/Project Program Funding County

1 Value Lodge B&I $2,100,000 Bay.

Heritage Properties B&I $4,400,000 Santa Rosa

Aztec Environmental B&I $651,000 Bay

Aztec Environmental B&I $649,000 Bay

2 Jefferson CBCC RBEG $258,716 Jefferson

Grand Ridge RBEG $167,397 Jackson 

Quincy RBEG $183,584 Gadsden

Jackson CBCC RBEG $180,817 Jackson

Quincy Telephone Co. REDL $450,000 Gadsden 

Gulf Coast Electric Co. REDL $231,660 Gulf

Liberty Wilderness R&I $3,500,000 Liberty

Liberty Wilderness B&I $500,000 Liberty

3 K.W. Baxley,Inc. B&I $3,250,000 Marion

4 Leesburg RBEG $215,000 Lake

Alligator Trading Co. VAPG $132,660 Pasco

5 SW FL RPC RBOG $ 48,000 Hendry & Collier

Nature's Way B&I $1,000,000 Dade

Mel's San Carlos B&I $1,600,000 Lee

Gibbons Farm Organics VAPG $15,000 St. Lucie

The Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) is a direct

loan program focusing on alleviating poverty and increasing economic activity and employment in rural areas

through administration of a revolving loan fund.

Applicants must have experience in administering a relending

program and reloan the money to businesses in rural areas

of less than 25,000 in population. Eligible applicants

include public bodies, non profit economic development

groups, Indian Tribes and cooperatives.

Rural Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG) provide

funding to promote sustainable economic development in

rural communities. In 2003, $48,000 was awarded in

Florida through the Rural Business Opportunity Grant

program. Technical assistance for rural businesses, training

for rural entrepreneurs or economic development officials,

or to pay for costs of providing economic development

planning for rural communities of less than 50,000 in population are eligible activities. Eligible applicants include

nonprofit economic development groups, cooperatives,

tribes and public bodies.

Rural Cooperative Development Grants (RCDG) assist in

the development of new rural cooperatives and operational

improvement of existing cooperatives through funding to

non-profit economic development groups and institutions

of higher education.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Charles H. Bronson and USDA Rural Development

Florida State Director Charles Clemons, Sr., were on hand to officially launch the project.

Citrus World/Florida’s Natural
MULTI FAMILY HOUSING PROGRAM

or millions of Americans, rental housing is an

alternative to homeownership for residents who

choose to rent, or cannot afford to purchase a

home. But the lack of affordable rental housing

can be particularly challenging in rural 

communities with typically lower family incomes. The U.S.

Department of Agriculture’s Rural Housing Program has

been the primary provider of housing assistance to rural

communities since 1949.

Rural Development’s Multi-Family Housing (MFH)

Program provides qualified residents in rural communities

affordable apartment style rental housing. Multi-Family

Housing programs include loans for new construction and

rehabilitation of existing units, rental assistance subsidy, and

grants for farm labor housing and housing preservation.

Today, there are over 21,929 rental units in 497 

complexes throughout Florida and the Virgin Islands

that are financed by loans and grants through USDA

multi-family housing programs. Seventy percent of tenants are single heads of households, and fifty percent are

elderly or disabled. Nearly half of the Rural

Development MFH portfolio provides shelter for elderly

residents, providing opportunities for independent 

living in their own communities.

Section 515 Rural Rental Housing 

The Section 515 Rural Rental Housing program is a

direct mortgage loan program providing capital financing to develop rental housing for very low-, low-, and moderate-income tenants. Section 515 can be used to finance

family housing, elderly housing, mixed-use housing,

congregate housing, group homes, and cooperative housing.

Fiscal year 2003 began with 15 pending and/or new applications submitted by owners to prepay Section 515 loans.

During 2003, Florida successfully processed $5,167,319 in

equity loans representing five projects in a multiple loan 

closing with one lender. This was one of the largest and more

complex equity loan deals completed nationwide.

Section 521 Rental Assistance Program

The Section 521 Rental Assistance Program (RA) 

provides reduced rents for low-income households in

Rural Rental Housing or Labor Housing complexes

financed by Rural Development. In 2003, rental assistance

continued to be the dominant use of program funding

with $30.3 million representing 1,714 units of replacement

rental assistance as well as providing affordable rental

housing units for tenant households.

The Rural Development State Office continues monitoring unused units, reallocating them to projects based on 

overburdened tenants and for financially distressed properties.

Repair and Rehab Loans

While requests for repair and rehab loans exceeded

funding provided by the National Office, Florida 

successfully obtained significant loan funds to assist

projects in rehabilitation efforts. Over 400 units of

housing, representing 11 projects were improved with

$5.7 million in repair loan funds.

F

Funds Aid Family Housing

Improving the quality of life for rural Americans

12 2003 ANNUAL REPORT

Rural Business Activities FY 2003
533 Housing Preservation Grants

Leaking roofs, inadequate heating systems, and peeling

paint are all too common housing problems in many rural

communities. More than 100 low-income rural families in

Florida received help

with housing problems

thanks to Department 

of Agriculture Rural

Development grants.

Assistance to very low

and low-income homeowners to repair and

rehabilitate their homes

was made possible

through the Section 533 Housing Preservation Grant

Program. Rural Development funded $406,834 to six 

recipients to improve 113 single family homes. Official check

presentation ceremonies highlight the program, creating 

public awareness of the Housing Preservation Grant Program

and its benefits to low income homeowners in rural Florida.

Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing Loan & Grant Program

Farmworkers, often the most poorly housed people in the

country, frequently live in tents, in shacks without running

water, in dilapidated and overcrowded trailers — what usually is defined as substandard housing. Florida is one of the

largest agricultural commodity producing states in the

nation, and Rural Development recognizes the strong need

and demand for rental farmworker housing units. Rural

Development is the only national source of construction

funds dedicated to the development of labor housing facilities. The Farm Labor Housing Program provides low-interest loans and grants to public or non-profit agencies or to

individual farmers to build affordable rental housing for

farmworkers. In FY 2003, the program provided $12 million

in loans and grants to build 128 units of housing in four

Florida locations.

Manatee County

Housing Authority,

with assistance from

Florida Non-Profit

Housing, Inc., successfully obtained a

$3 million loan at

one-percent interest

for the construction

of a 36 unit labor

housing facility, the first of its kind in Manatee County.

Catholic Charities, Inc. of St. Petersburg, a new faith based

partner, already providing services such as food, clothing,

healthcare and childcare to farmworkers, was interested in

providing decent, adequate and safe housing as well. With

the help of a $2.5 million loan and a $500,000 grant,

26 additional labor housing units are under construction

in Dover, Florida.

MULTI FAMILY HOUSING PROGRAM

Projects Dedicated in 2003

2003 ANNUAL REPORT 13

2003 MFH Management Conference

 Marianna Holly Hill Apt. - 53 Unit Family Housing,

Marianna

 Hardee County Housing Authority - 39 Unit Farm

Labor Housing, Wauchula

 College Square Apartments - 32 Unit Family Housing,

Graceville

 Catholic Charities - 80 Unit Farm Labor Housing,

Dover

State Director, Charles Clemons presents a check in

the amount of $57,222 to Mr. Joel Paul, Jr., Executive

Director of Tri-County Community Council, Inc.

Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Secretary of

Agriculture Ann M. Veneman recognized the importance of farmworker housing at the dedication of

Catholic Charities’ San Jose Mission in Dover.

T he first ever statewide multifamily housing management

conference was held in Maitland,

with over 375 attendees participating in training sessions reinforcing

the concept, “We Make A

Difference.” Prospective site managers, maintenance personnel and management agents

were recognized with awards from Rural Development

based on criteria established within the 2003 MFH Awards

Program. Kathy Easter was the recipient of the Henry

Turney award presented by the Florida Council for

Affordable and Rural Housing for his years of service and

dedication to the rental housing program.

2003 State Award Winners

Elderly Manager of the Year, Linda and 

James Wikowsky, Panasoffkee Apts.

Family Manager of the Year, Celia Williams,

Joseph Lee Garden Apts.

Farm Labor Manager of the Year, Yanick Allan,

Everglades Community Assoc.

Maintenance Person of the Year, Trent Phillips,

Newell Hill Villas

Management Agent of the Year,

Jupiter Housing Corporation
omeownership is a fundamental part of

the American dream. But rural Americans

face special challenges. With jobs often

paying less than in more populous areas

and a greater percentage of self-employment, credit can be difficult to obtain. Interest rates and

construction costs are frequently higher in rural areas,

and rural lenders generally require a large down payment.

USDA has been helping rural Americans become

homeowners since 1949, investing over $54 billion in 

helping people purchase or build their own homes. Under

the USDA Rural Development umbrella, the Single Family

Housing (SFH) programs offer home ownership and home

improvement and repair loans and grants for individuals

and families in rural areas. Financing is provided at favorable rates and terms with little or no down payment. In

many cases, payments can be reduced according to the

home owner’s ability to pay.

Each year USDA Rural Development is playing a

key role in making the dream of homeownership come

true for rural families. With special emphasis placed on

low and very low income households, USDA Rural

Development is helping the families and individuals

with the most need, improving the quality of life for

rural communities.

Homeownership increases economic stability and

provides numerous social benefits involving household

stability, social involvement, and a sense of community.

In 2003, Rural Development’s Single Family Housing

service invested over $191 million in Florida and the

Virgin Islands, helping 2,495 families through programs

and assistance bringing improved housing, quality of life

and prosperity to rural America.

Direct Housing Loan (Section 502)

T he Direct Homeownership Loan program, available 

to lower income individuals and families, provided 

$41 million in loans to families and individuals in 2003.

Serving rural persons whose incomes are below 

80-percent of the median income, Section 502 direct

housing loans offer assistance where it is needed 

most – lower income individuals in rural areas who are

unable to obtain credit elsewhere. Section 502 loans

require no down payment and interest rates are set by

Rural Development based on family income. Eligibility

for Direct Loans is restricted to lower income individuals and families to purchase or build a home in rural

areas. Qualified applicants must have income below 

80-percent of the median income level of the communities in which they intend to live and they must be unable

to obtain a homeownership loan from a bank or other

conventional source

SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING PROGRAM

The American Dream

Realizing the American Dream in Rural America

14 2003 ANNUAL REPORT

The Jubilation community in Immokalee, Florida, features homes with front porches and screened lanais in the rear.

H

Single Family Housing Activities FY 2003

Housing Loans
Guaranteed Housing Loan (Section 502)

T hrough the 502 Guaranteed Loan program, RHS guarantees loans made by private sector lenders — should the

borrower default on the loan, RHS will pay the private

lender for the loan. Benefits of the program include

financing up to 100-percent of the appraised value of the

home, eliminating the need for a down payment.

The guaranteed housing program provides opportunities for both potential homeowners and lenders, with little

cost to the taxpayer. Rural Development provided $148

million in guaranteed housing loans in 2003. The program

has achieved immense success in Florida/Virgin Islands —

and the Florida/Virgin Islands program is one of the most

successful in the country.

Guaranteed Section 502 loans originate at a lender’s

office, no down payment or mortgage insurance is

required, and any lender may participate. Eligibility is

restricted to applicants with moderate or low income who

are unable to provide a 20-percent down payment for a

conventional or FHA loan.

Home Repair Loan and Grant Programs (Section 504)

I

n 2003, Rural Development provided $1.7 million in

loans and grants to help rural families in Florida and

the Virgin Islands repair their homes. Whether to

improve or modernize a home, make it safer or more

sanitary, or to remove health hazards, families and individuals with very low incomes received assistance

through Section 504 loans and grants.

Eligibility for the Section 504 Loan Program is

restricted to very-low-income rural homeowners with

incomes falling below 50-percent of the area’s median

income. The maximum loan amount is $20,000 with an

interest rate of one-percent.

Eligibility for the Section 504 Grant Program 

is restricted to very-low-income rural homeowners 

age 62 and older who can’t afford to borrow the full

amount required for necessary repairs to remove health

or safety hazards. The maximum grant amount is

$7,500.

I

he Self Help Housing Program is administered through

non-profit organizations throughout Florida. With Rural

Development funding, they select the families, provide economic counseling, purchase building materials and power

tools, and hire a construction supervisor.

Non-Profit organizations and local governments may

obtain a self-help Technical Assistance grant or Section 523

Site Loans through Rural Development’s Housing Program.

Site Loans allow for the property to be improved with

infrastructure development (street access, curbs, sewer, water

and more). The improved sites/lots are sold to the prospective homeowners at cost.

The Technical Assistance Grant enables the grantee to

provide oversight to groups of 6-12 families who work together to build their own homes, performing approximately 

65-percent of the labor. Families work on homes together and

the labor cost savings help homeowners pay less for their homes.

SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING PROGRAM

2003 ANNUAL REPORT 15

Home Improvement and Repair Assistance

Self Help Housing
or millions of families, homeownership is

the American dream. Homeownership is a

lifetime investment in families, communities and the nation, bringing stability,

greater security and more civic involvement to neighborhoods and communities across the

country.

In recognition of the positive and lasting impact

of homeownership, in 2003, President George W. Bush

designated June as National Homeownership Month.

Families assisted by home ownership assistance 

programs came together in Tampa, Florida, telling

their stories in hopes of reaching families who have yet

to realize the benefits of owning their own homes.

Irma Aguire was one such homeowner who shared 

her story.

Born in Michigan to migrant farm workers, Irma

and her family eventually settled in Apopka, Florida,

where her parents continued working in farm labor.

By the age of 12, Irma was helping the family by working on a large vegetable farm after school and in the

summers.

After graduating from high school, she married

and began working on the farm full time. A failed

marriage left her with two young daughters to care for.

Working to support the family, Irma and her children

lived in housing furnished by the farm corporation, a

one-bedroom house with no heat or air conditioning.

Working in the fields left little time or energy for

her growing children. But Irma vowed to find a way to

have a home of her own and to attain additional 

education so she could work at something other than

farm labor.

USDA Rural Development (known at the time as

Farmers Home Administration) offered the opportunity Irma had dreamed of — a new home without a

down payment, and monthly mortgage payments

would be set according to household income and family size.

Irma applied for a Rural Development self-help

“sweat equity” loan though Homes-In-Partnership.

She joined other families making home ownership

more affordable by working together in groups on

their houses. When Irma and her young family moved

into their new home — complete with heat and air

conditioning — a dream had been realized. And now

the children had a yard to play in and each girl had her

own bedroom.

With the security and stability home ownership

can bring, Irma could focus on her second goal of

pursuing additional education. She enrolled in a vocational/ technical program, completing the prescribed

business courses she would need for a new career.

Irma has been on the job almost 10 years – working

with Homes-In-Partnership, the non profit organization

that helped her build her house. Today she is a loan

processor and recruits families for the program 

so that others can realize the American dream of

homeownership.

F

HOME OWNERSHIP

Rural Development’s 

Investment in America

16 2003 ANNUAL REPORT

Pictured above holding baby, Irma Aguire became a homeowner thanks to USDA

Rural Development’s sweat equity homeownership program. Standing next to Ms.

Aguire, right, is Mel Martinez, former Secretary of HUD.
ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAMS 

2003 ANNUAL REPORT 17

uring Fiscal Year 2003, the Rural

Development Administrative Division

supported program areas in carrying out

the Rural Development mission through

the provision of effective systems and

services. Administrative Services staff provides support

in the areas of Human Resources, Contracting, Budget,

Management Control, and Automation to all Rural

Development offices throughout Florida and the Virgin

Islands.

Human Resources provide a broad range of employee,

supervisory and managerial support and technical 

guidance, and as a delegated examining office of the

Office of Personnel Management,

Human Resources provides employment opportunities

directly to the general public for staffing positions

throughout the state. The Human Resources team 

assists the State Director with administration of the

Employee Assistance Plan, Ethics and Civil Rights, Equal

Employment Opportunity, and incentive awards 

programs.

Contracting/Budget Division support includes contracting

for Single Family and Multi-Family housing appraisals,

legal services, and caretaking of custodial and inventory

homes. In Fiscal Year 2003, the division managed 

administrative funds of $9.4 million for employee

salaries and benefits, leasing of office space, supplies,

equipment, travel and training. This included the

responsibility of monitoring a fleet of 30 GSA vehicles

throughout the state.

The Management Controls Division ensures that Rural

Development field offices remain in compliance with 

prescribed policies and procedures. The Management

Control Officer provides oversight on internal control issues

such as audits, investigations, State Internal Reviews, office

security and emergency response and contingency/disaster

recovery plans. In FY 2003, four State Internal Reviews were

conducted with 95 percent of the modules reviewed falling

within the prescribed compliance score.

The Automation Center is responsible for computers, fax

machines, printers and telephones statewide, providing

assistance and support for both hardware and software

problems. During FY 2003, Automation Center staff

completed installations of scanners in all Area Offices and

33 printers throughout the state. Also during FY 2003,

91 computer operating systems were upgraded from NT to

XP, in compliance with the mandates of the Common

Computing Environment (CCE) initiative.

Behind the Scenes

D

Left to right, front: Jeffrie Navarro; Brenda Stormant; Kathy Snider. Back: Ted

Welcome; Cheryl Perry; Sara Grant; Harold Dawkins, Administrative Program

Director; Barbara Davis; Shirley Maro.

uring FY 2003, the EEO Advisory Committee promoted

communication between management and employees,

made recommendations and provided management advice

on Special Emphasis Programs and events. Committed to

create a work environment that enhances cultural diversity and promotes

a workplace free of discrimination based on race, sex, age, religion,

national origin, marital status, and physical or mental disability, Special

Emphasis Programs provide oversight by persons with specialized knowledge in the area of civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity.

Special Emphasis Programs include the African American Program,

Disability Employment Program, Federal Women’s Program, Hispanic

Employment Program and the Native American Program.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) 

D

Programs of Emphasis
RURAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICES

18 2003 ANNUAL REPORT

STATE 

4440 N.W. 25th Place (32606)

P.O. Box 147010 (32614)

Gainesville, Florida

(352) 338-3402

Fax: (352) 338-3405

TTY: (352) 338-3499

Area 1

932 North Ferdon Blvd

Suite B 

Crestview, Fl 32536

(850) 682-2416 

Fax: (850) 682-8731

Area 2

2741 Pennsylvania Ave

Suite 5

Marianna, Fl 32448-4014

(850) 526-2610

Fax: (850) 526-7534

Area 3

2303 N.E. Jacksonville Rd.

Suite 400

Ocala, Fl 34470

(352) 732-7534 

Fax: (352) 732-9728

Area 4

32245 David Walker Dr.

Tavares, Fl 32778

(352) 742-7005

Fax: (352) 343-3858

Area 5

750 South Military Trail

Suite J

West Palm Beach, Fl 33415

(561) 683-2285

Fax: (561) 762-1129

LOCAL 

Baldwin

260 US 301 North

Baldwin, FL 32234

(904) 266-0088

Bartow

1700 Hwy 17 South

Suite 3

Bartow, FL 33830-6633

(863) 533-2051

Chipley

1424 Jackson Ave

Suite B

Chipley, FL 32428

(850) 638-1982

DeFuniak Springs

239 John Baldwin Road 

Suite C

DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433

(850) 892-3712

DeLand

1342 A S. Woodland Blvd

DeLand, FL 32720

(386) 734-2535

Live Oak

10094 US 129 South

Live Oak, FL 32060

(386) 362-2681

Marianna

2741 Pennsylvania Ave

Suite 7

Marianna, FL 

(850) 526-2610

Milton

6275 Dogwood Dr.

Milton, FL 32570

(850) 623-2441

N. Fort Myers

3434 Hancock Bridge Pkwy

Suite 209-A

N. Fort Myers, FL 33903-7005

(941) 997-7557

Ocala

N.E. Jacksonville Rd

Suite 300

Ocala, FL 34470

(352) 732-7534

Okeechobee

454 N.W. Hwy 98

Okeechobee, FL 34972

(863) 763-3345

Plant City

201 S Collins St 2nd Floor

Plant City, FL 33566

(813) 752-1474

Quincy

2138 W. Jefferson St.

Quincy, FL 32351

(850) 627-6365

St. Croix

5030 Anchor Way

Gallows Bay, Suite 4

St. Croix, VI 00820

(340) 773-9146

Tavares

32235 David Walker Dr

Tavares, FL 32778

(352)742-7005

West Palm Beach

750 South Military Trail

Suite H

West Palm Beach, FL 33415

(561) 683-2285
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its

programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, 

religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with 

disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program

information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s 

TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil

Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW,

Washington, DC 20250-9420 or call 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is

an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Committed to the

FUTURE

of Rural Communities
State Director

United States Department of Agriculture

Rural Development

4440 N.W. 25th Place

P.O. Box 147010

Gainesville, FL 32614-7010

Committed to the future of rural communities