USDA: Edgerton retirement apartments receives award of excellence

CONTACT: Kelly Edwards

Phone: 715-340-1264

E-mail: Kelly.edwards@wi.usda.gov

USDA Rural Development presents the honor

When: Tuesday

June 15, 2010

1:00 p.m.

Where: 505 Stoughton Road

Edgerton, WI

EDGERTON, WI — USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director, Stan Gruszynski, announced the selection of Edgerton Retirement Apartments as recipient of USDA Rural Development’s Award of Excellence, recognizing their continued dedication to providing affordable housing to the residents of rural Wisconsin.

The Award of Excellence is presented each year during June, in conjunction with National Homeownership Month, to Multi-Family Housing property owners and managers who continuously demonstrate their commitment to providing quality, affordable housing to the tenants they serve.

Gruszynski presented the award to Mary Maves, Board President of Edgerton Retirement Apartments, at a recognition ceremony that took place today in Edgerton, Wis.

“It is our privilege to recognize Edgerton Retirement Apartments for their contribution to safe, attractive, affordable, housing in Edgerton,” said Gruszynski. “As a result of their initiative and investment, the Edgerton Housing Authority has enabled numerous individuals and families access to a place to call home. I believe the place we live tells the story of who we are. So, on behalf of all who serve in our USDA Rural Housing Programs, I can assure you we are honored to be a part of the story being told here today.”

In 1983 the community of Edgerton recognized need for additional affordable housing for elderly and disabled in the area. With a land donation from the local hospital, Edgerton Retirement Apartments, Inc. was formed. USDA Rural Development provided $780,000 in financing for the construction of the facility that has been providing affordable housing in Edgerton for more than 26 years. Maves, President of Edgerton Retirement Apartments, was one of the key individuals involved the creation of the facility. She has been President of the Board since its inception in1983 and actively involved in making a great place to live for residents.

In addition the event recognized June Burns, who passed away last August. June was the on-site manager and a member of the board for Edgerton Retirement Apartments since it opened in 1984. In June’s own words, “Edgerton Retirement Apartments was like a second family for her”. June’s dedication and enthusiasm made Edgerton Retirement a wonderful place to live and call home. She will be missed in this community.

USDA Rural Development Rural Housing Programs offer a broad range of homeownership assistance available to individuals and families who wish to or currently live in rural areas, cities, and communities. USDA Rural Development Rural Housing Programs have the ultimate goal of providing affordable homeownership opportunities to Wisconsin residents. This past year USDA Rural Development invested more than $500 million throughout Wisconsin in the form of loans and grants that provide rural residents with decent, safe and sanitary single or multi-family housing. It is during Homeownership Month, each June, we highlight these accomplishments.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. This past year, USDA Rural Development returned over $740 million to rural Wisconsin communities. The funding supports a wide variety of loan, guaranteed loan and grant programs to rural residents in the areas of housing, community facilities, business development, infrastructure, and other development needs. Further information on USDA Rural Development programs is available by visiting USDA’s website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/wi. USDA Rural Development is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.