Mutual Self-Help Housing

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We, the undersigned, residents, community leaders, and the general public, call upon the White House and our Congress continue funding for the Section 502 Direct Loan program and the Section 523 program entirely from the FY2012 budget. These programs, working in conjunction are the best homeownership program in Rural America.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Program, established as a path to homeownership for very-low to low-income families, utilizes a sweat equity model. It is the only federally-funded homeownership program specifically for rural America, having been in existence for over 40 years. The program is funded by USDA Rural Development, has resulted in homeownership for more than 40,000 low-income families in rural America, stimulated local economies, provided job training, and help create a deeper sense of community.

As stated by the Office of Management and Budget, "No other program combines the unique features which make the Self-Help Program a success." For lower-income families, often with very few affordable housing options, the Self-Help housing program is the only mechanism for them to become homeowners.

Currently over 100 organizations in 37 states participate in the program. The program promotes homeownership for responsible buyers, generates millions of dollars in construction work, local business income, local wages and salaries, and local and state taxes.

Keep it going in our rural communities!

2243 Signatures

  • Kadie K
  • Steven E. I
  • Annette D
    • Comments
    • Because of the self help program, my children and I were able to afford our own home. In my group we were 7 single mothers whose main goal was to give our children a happy and safe environment to grow and thrive in. We worked during the week, raised our children and built our homes on the weekend. It was a tough road, but in the end the pride and the joy we felt could not be matched. In my opinion, this is one of the best programs the government has ever funded and to take it away would be a tragety
  • Candice B
  • Sean C
    • Comments
    • This program is a necessity for America. Supporting economic growth in rural areas and helping the common people find a way to live what they say is the American Dream in an economic situation where it is only accessable to the upper and high middle class without such a program. Support the lower and middle class in their effort to live the American dream, where as through this program they become empowered and seek their own path to become an asset to their families, communities and society.
  • Keagan B
  • Marguerite B
    • Comments
    • this is essential for our local workforce
  • Jill D
  • Judy G
  • Adam M
    • Comments
    • I am one of many whose business would be affected by a decision to eliminate funding. Please reconsider and include this in the 2012 budget.
  • Jackie K
  • ROBBIE L V
    • Comments
    • KUMAKUA - Kohala, HI
  • Gloria F
  • Elizabeth H
    • Comments
    • Keep this program going!
  • Lynn P
    • Comments
    • This is a wonderful self-help program. Please support it.
  • Erin M
    • Comments
    • Please allow people to keep getting help
  • Jona R
  • J. Denise R
  • Debbie F
  • Benjamin F
  • Bernice V
  • Stephen and Linda D
  • Tameka G
  • Rozann D
  • Danielle M
  • irma M
  • Antonio Z
    • Comments
    • This Program has helped me get a home , and i wish for it will be there for others.
  • Gary H
  • Debra B
  • Anastasia M
  • Marilyn H
  • Tia J
  • Alberta E
  • Talon T
  • Norisa J
  • Marjorie G
    • Comments
    • Self-help is a vital element to revive Homeownership.
  • Ryan W
    • Comments
    • Please preserve Self-Help Housing! It is one of the most effective housing programs I have ever seen.
  • Chad M
    • Comments
    • I am a construction supervisor for the U.H.A.S.E. This program helps people help themselves. Great program for low income families. Not only does it give families a home but it creates jobs in this tough economy.
  • Kristi B
    • Comments
    • Keep Mutual Self Help Housing!
  • Stelene A. O
  • Wade David L
    • Comments
    • Please sustain Mutual Self-Help Housing
  • Rod B
    • Comments
    • Tax the rich to balance the budget.They can afford it, and they and their "fatcat" ilk have in large part helped to precipitate the current crisis, anyway. Quit going after vital social programs the when you've overextended government resources by being shortsighted fools.
  • Carrie G
  • George H
  • Brandy M
  • Kathleen J. D
    • Comments
    • This is a great program. Don't let it fail!
  • Chanteal B
  • Rhonda V
    • Comments
    • Do you have to be a drug addict to get help in this country? This is a program that helps people who are actually trying to help themselves better their lives. Keep this program alive!
  • Roman B
    • Comments
    • Keep this program alive.
  • David K T