Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Stacy Burks 417.864.8258
Saturday, March 31, 2001

AVA, MO - Senator Kit Bond today joined Ozark Action, Inc. (OAI) board members to announce that he has secured $500,000 in federal funding for low-income rural housing needs in southwest Missouri.

“One of our most basic human needs is that of shelter. But affordable housing is out of the reach of many residents of southwest Missouri. The $500,000 in new federal money will help Ozark Action ensure that those in need have an affordable place to live,” Bond said.

Ozark Action, Inc. will use the $500,00 to implement a model Home Buying and Education program to help local individuals and families of low-to- moderate income purchase homes. New homes will be sold to needy families at or below fair market value. This will enable families who would not otherwise be able to obtain a down payment and closing cost help the opportunity to become homeowners. Home ownership is key to accumulating assets and to ensuring long-term self sufficiency.

OAI is one of 19 not-for-profit Community Action Agencies in Missouri. The service area for Ozark Action includes Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Texas and Wright counties. OAI programs work on the neighborhood level to address the most basic needs, including food, clothing and shelter. OAI also offers many self-help, children, youth and family assistance programs including Head Start, Welfare-to-Work, and job training.

“This region of our state has seen its share of tough times. Sometimes folks just need an extra hand here and there to stay afloat. I am very happy to be able to work the good people at Ozark Action to make affordable housing a reality in the Ozarks,” Bond said.