NMHC lauds reintroduction of USDA Rural Housing Service loan programs

With the amended memorandum of understanding officially signed on April 24, 2024 by USDA Rural Housing Service and the Northern Marianas Housing Corp., the CNMI now has another funding option to obtain decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing as well as for much needed home repair.

This renewed partnership between NMHC and RHS marks a new chapter in the NMHC’s journey toward addressing the housing needs of the community and NMHC extends its appreciation to Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP), Rural Housing Services administrator Joaquin Altoro, Hawaii State Office state director Chris Kanazawa, and Western Pacific area director Joe Diego for making this possible.

As with most federal housing programs, RHS’ single-family housing loan program’s main target is the low and very low-income residents of the CNMI.

“Since inception, NMHC has diligently worked to provide housing solutions for our community. However, limited funding and resources have hindered our ability to meet the growing demand for affordable housing.”

“With RHS by our side, we have the opportunity to access much-needed funding and resources to tackle the housing shortage head-on. Through RHS’s single-family housing loan programs, we can provide low and very low-income residents of the CNMI with the opportunity to secure affordable housing solutions” said NMHC board Marcie “Merced” M. Tomokane.

“The amended memorandum of understanding between NMHC and RHS sets the framework for this partnership, outlining roles, responsibilities, and protocols to ensure the effective administration of housing programs in our islands. With NMHC striving as an RHS-approved intermediary, we can streamline the loan application process, providing families with the support they need to navigate the complexities of securing housing assistance.”

“But this partnership is not just about loans and paperwork. It’s about people given the opportunity to secure a place to call home and to build a better life for themselves and their loved ones. As soon as we iron out a few pending matters, we’ll be informing the public about the official launching of the programs as well as eligibility and requirements. The loan assistance will be offered and made available on all three islands (Saipan, Tinian, and Rota)” added NMHC corporate director Jesse S. Palacios.

The NMHC board of directors at its April 30, 2024 meeting approved a new program to help homeowners in the community, particularly with special needs and the elderly in the CNMI. The new program is to help homeowners obtain a fully functioning bathroom that otherwise lacks a shower, toilet and sink which includes a septic tank, if public sewer is not available in the resident’s area, and/or a 1,000-gallon water reserve tank. The specification of the bathroom with shower will be “ADA compliant” and will require it to be built in the primary residence. The water reserve tank will also be required to be built on the homeowner’s property.

As soon as NMHC irons out a few pending matters, it will be informing the general public about the official launching and acceptance of applications. This program will eventually lead to families having access to additional amenities with upgrades to their existing primary dwelling. (PR)