USDA Rural Development Celebrates National Homeownership Month with Visits to Maine Homeowners

Trump Administration Highlights Affordable Pathways to Homeownership in Rural America

(Bangor, Maine, June 2, 2026) -Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Maine State Director John Butera kicked off National Homeownership Month by highlighting Rural Development's commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and helping more Americans, especially first-time homebuyers, achieve the dream of homeownership.

"The Trump Administration and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins are focused on growing first time homeownership, making home borrowing more accessible by cutting barriers, helping families build equity and long-term financial security," said USDA Rural Development Acting Under Secretary Todd Lindsey. "USDA Rural Development is playing a key role by delivering real solutions for rural communities across the country."

Homeownership remains one of the most effective ways for families to build wealth and strengthen their financial future. Throughout the month, USDA is showcasing programs that make it easier for individuals and families to buy, build, or repair homes in rural areas.

"Homeownership is a powerful pathway for building stability and opportunity in rural Maine," said Butera. "Our team is committed to helping more families find a safe, affordable place to call home and to strengthening the communities they choose to live in. During National Homeownership Month and throughout the year, we will continue working with our partners to expand access to homeownership for more Maine families."

USDA Rural Development's single-family housing programs are designed to support first-time homebuyers, working families, and those looking to invest in their communities. These programs include:

The Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program enables USDA to partner with private lending institutions, backing their loans to help families and individuals buy homes in rural areas.

• The Home Repair Loan and Grant Program provides loans and grants to help families and individuals repair their homes to make them safer, healthier places to live.
• The Mutual Self-Help Housing Grant Program provides grants to qualified organizations to help them carry out local self-help housing construction projects.
• The Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan Program provides loans directly to families and individuals so they can buy or build homes in rural America.
• Meet with a Caribou family to highlight how Rural Development programs are helping Maine families achieve stable, long-term housing. They purchased a home through the USDA Rural Development 502 Direct Single Family Home Loan with an affordable, below-market rate and now have a fixed monthly payment they can afford over a 33-year term, providing the family with the security and stability of a permanent home.
• Meet with a family in Standish that partnered with Habitat for Humanity and utilized a USDA Rural Development 502 Direct Single Family Home Loan to purchase their home. The family contributed their own funds at closing and now have an affordable mortgage. The homeowners are excited to share their experience and highlight the impact of affordable financing and Habitat's support in helping them achieve long-term housing stability.
• Attend other events across Maine highlighting the ways Rural Development programs expand access to safe, affordable homeownership. These activities will showcase partnerships, community impact, and demonstrate how federal resources are helping more rural families secure a place to call home.

USDA is also working closely with lenders, builders, and community partners to streamline processes, reduce regulatory burdens, and expand awareness of available programs. Since the start of the Trump administration, USDA Rural Development in Maine has directed $134 million into homeownership initiatives, supporting mortgage financing, repairs, and affordable housing opportunities for Maine residents across all 16 counties. Throughout National Homeownership Month, Maine Rural Development will host events to connect rural Americans with resources and opportunities that make homeownership more attainable. State Director John Butera will:

Rural Development programs support not only housing, but also the broader economic foundation of rural America by investing in infrastructure, community facilities, and local economies to ensure rural communities remain strong, self-sufficient, and positioned for long-term growth.

To learn more about USDA Rural Development housing programs, visit www.rd.usda.gov or contact a Rural Development State Office. Subscribe to program updates at GovDelivery updates , and follow us on X at @USDARD_Maine .

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