Silver City Mayor Pro Tem Cynthia Ann Bettison, looks on as new homeowner Jim Keels (center) and USDA RD State Director Terry Brunner break ground to begin the construction of Keels' new home. (Courtesy Photo)

ALBUQUERQUE, NM, June 25, 2015 -USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner came to Silver City, New Mexico to conclude the month-long celebration of homeownership (see attached below) by honoring Mr. Jim Keels, an Army veteran, and Ms. Priscilla Arredondo, one of the newest homeowners in Silver City.

The visit is one of numerous events held across the nation and one of six events here in New Mexico during the month of June. The activities and events focused on housing's role in creating jobs and stimulating our nation's economy.

Ms. Priscilla Arredondo gives a tour of the construction of her new home to Silver City Mayor Pro Tem Cynthia Ann Bettison. (Courtesy Photo)

During the homeownership celebration, Brunner presented a U.S. Flag to Mr. Keels and to Ms. Arredondo saying, "Although the two of you have attained the goal of homeownership for yourself, you may not realize how you have helped strengthen your community and your local economy." He added, "Every new home built employs construction workers and increases purchases of goods and services at local stores. The long-term investment homeowners make in their home often results in greater participation in community affairs and greater interest in seeing their community succeed..."

The national theme for this year's homeownership month celebration is; "Let's Build a Better Future Together" and USDA Rural Development New Mexico decided to profile homeowners that are veterans who not only gave to their community through their service but are helping to build stronger communities through homeownership.

Keels is one of the two veterans honored during the 2015 homeownership month celebration here in New Mexico. He joined the U.S. Army at the age of 19 in 1958. He ultimately served our country for three years as a personnel specialist in Trios-Fontaines a U.S. Army ammunition depot in France.

The seventy-six year old qualified for a home loan through USDA Rural Development's direct loan program. The new 1,100 square foot home being built for him will have with two bed rooms and two bathrooms. The construction of his new home will begin later this summer.

Ms. Arredondo and her two children, 14-year old Kaelah and 3 year old Abram will move into their new 1,300 square foot home in about a month when it is completed. The house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a single car garage. Ms. Arredondo also qualified for the home loan through USDA Rural Development's direct loan program. By qualifying for the loan it allowed Ms. Arredondo to attain the title of homeowner for the first time in her life.

USDA Rural Development and partners across the nation are holding numerous activities to bring attention to homeownership as a major economic driver. During the events, information is made available to educate the public on how to purchase a home and access financial support for business development and expansion.

In fiscal year 2014, USDA Rural Development awarded $65 million in loans in grants in 10 housing programs which directly affected 557 rural families of New Mexico.

The National Homeownership Month celebration began in 1997 as a challenge to increase the number of homeowners throughout the United States. Government studies have shown that homeownership is a key element in the nation's economy with the housing industry accounting for about 15 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in a typical year. Studies also show that neighborhoods are strengthened when there is a higher percentage of homeownership. Homeowners are proven to be more active in their neighborhoods, they contribute more to their communities and a more stable environment for families is created.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at any local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

Patsy Villalobos, USDA Area Specialist; Terry Brunner, USDA State Director; Priscilla Arredondo, Homeowner; Mike Eley, Town of Silver City; Cynthia Bettison, Town Councilor; Veronika Molina, Southwest Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation; Pam Eley, SWNM Council of Governments. (Courtesy Photo)