MIDDLESBORO — Thanks to a program administered through Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency, several local families who have applied for low income and affordable housing can now qualify to finance and ultimately own their own homes.

This housing initiative has been underway for the past couple of years on Polly Hollow Road in Middlesboro. In Spring of 2005, 26 acres of land for the housing development was donated by the J.M. Huber Corporation, a coal mining company that had no future plans for the site. Since that date, houses continue to be erected through state, federal, and local funding.

Recently, Congressman ‘Hal’ Rogers announced that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program (USDA-RD) and the Federal Home Loan Bank have awarded $469,851 to the Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) for the further development of the Polly Village housing center in Bell County.

Partnering with Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency, KHC will use these funds for roadway construction, site clearing, septic systems, debris removal and water and sewer extensions.

“Given the rising costs associated with home ownership, extra emphasis ought to be placed on assisting low-income, rural Americans, and this funding will help eight families in eastern Kentucky realize their dreams of owning a home,” stated Rogers. “When our seniors and disabled are struggling to put food on the table and gas in the tank, funding for these important construction programs will go a long way to stretch their limited income further.”

In addition to $432,251 from federal agencies and banking institutions and the $37,600 ARC grant, the Kentucky Affordable Housing Trust Fund and local sources will provide $424,126 for the Polly Village project, expected to cost $893,977 in total.

The USDA-RD program aims to assist rural individuals, communities and businesses obtain the financial and technical assistance needed to address their diverse and unique needs. The Federal Home Loan Bank, representing the largest source of home mortgage and community credit, is an essential source of stable, low-cost funds to financial institutions for home mortgage, small business, rural and agricultural loans.

The Kentucky Affordable Housing Trust Fund was created in response to economic conditions and declining resources which adversely affected the ability of low-income persons to obtain safe, decent and affordable housing. Incorporated in 1969 with the goal of fighting America’s war on poverty, the Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency utilizes all resources available to help the citizens of southeastern Kentucky become self-sufficient.

“This project is a prime example of federal, state and local cooperation that makes a tangible difference in the lives of everyday Kentuckians,” stated Rogers. “I am extremely pleased by the willingness demonstrated by ARC, federal and state agencies and the Bell-Whitley Community Action Agency to work together towards a common goal — improving the quality of life for families in our area of southern and eastern Kentucky.”

For more information about home ownership assistance programs, visit the Kentucky Housing Corporation’s website at www.kyhousing.org or Bell-Whitley’s website at www.bell-whitley.org. You can also contact Bell-Whitley directly at (606)337-3044 to inquire about home ownership counseling and assistance.

Sarah Miracle is a staff writer for the Daily News. She can be reached via e-mail at smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com.