When the final wall was raised on Jessi Mattila’s new home, it symbolized another step toward homeownership for the mother of three in Mountain Iron, Minn. It also symbolized the strength of a new partnership between USDA Rural Development and the Habitat for Humanity.
Rural Development is financing Mattila’s home through its direct home loan program and the North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity is partnering with the Mattila family to provide support through the building process.
The nearby Mesabi Range Community & Technical College’s second-year carpentry class is providing volunteer labor on the home, which is being built according to the Minnesota Green Communities guidelines to make it energy efficient and sustainable for the family.
“This, I believe, is truly a blessing to my family,” said Mattila, who will provide sweat equity on her home and other Habitat homes in the region. “It means so much to me, it’s hard to even describe how much it means to me and my family giving us so much opportunity.”
Mattila’s is the second home in Minnesota financed by USDA and built using support from the Habitat for Humanity. The growing partnership will result in more homeownership opportunities for people living and working in rural Minnesota.
“Habitat for Humanity will be a valuable partner for USDA,” said Colleen Landkamer, Rural Development State Director in Minnesota. “Jessi’s new home will be a shining example of how home ownership builds sustainable communities and increases economic opportunities in rural communities.”
Over 50 people gathered inside the frame of Jessi’s home recently to congratulate the Mattila’s on achieving home ownership. Jessi works as a nurse in the nearby town of Buhl.
Jessi was excited to be accepted into the Habitat for Humanity Homeownership program and to work with Rural Development on financing. She was even more excited to learn that her new home will be located next to her grandmother’s home.
“This all has really been a turning point for me and my family,” she said.