USDA program celebrates 50 years

This year, the USDA’s Mutual Self-Help Housing program is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Over the past five decades, its help build more 50,000 homes across the U.S. and has partnered with local programs like the Milford Housing Development Corporation (MHDC).

On Monday, volunteers were helping turn a concrete pad on Deer Forest Road into a home hopefully by December. The one-story home will belong to Tony Tilson, who says he has been living with friends in Long Neck for the past two years while working two jobs.

“Exhausting…yes, it’s been exhausting.” Says Tilson, “Working and coming out on the weekends and doing this.”

Tilson is one of five families currently working with the MHDC, which works with the USDA’s Mutual Self-Help Housing. According to MHDC’s president and CEO David Moore, it has helped 170 Delaware families.

“It’s not a single house for a single person. No one in that group can move into the home until all five of them in that group are done and inspected and move forward.” Says Moore.

Using sweat equity, they’ll save up to 35,000 dollars a year on mortgage payments. Each family must spend an average of 20 hours a week building the homes, but it’s not just five new homes for five families. We’re told it’s a lasting investment in their community.

“Home to me isn’t a place, it is a feeling. I think when you think of “home”, it’s just the nicest word in the world. It really is.” Says Moore.

Moore tells us the group hopes to add another 25 homes in Delaware by the end of this year.

For more information on the Milford Housing Development Corporation, click here.