Cornell Fatty accepts American Flag from USDA RD State Director Patricia Dominguez. Courtesy/USDA

USDA News:

MESCALERO — USDA Rural Development State Director Patricia Dominguez honored the Mescalero Apache Tribe Housing Department (MATHD) Monday for their many years of providing housing opportunities to those living on Mescalero Tribal lands.

When presenting a certificate of appreciation to Executive Director Craig Dougall of the Mescalero Apache Tribe Housing Department, Director Dominguez said, “We are proud to call the Mescalero Apache Tribe Housing Department a partner because together we’re helping make the dream of homeownership come true while at the same time rebuilding our economy.”

A good example of the partnership between USDA RD and MATHD is the work done by both agencies to rehabilitate Cornell Fatty’s home on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.

The home needed an extensive kitchen rehabilitation, MATHD staff helped Fatty with the application process, which allowed him to access USDA Rural Development’s funds to pay for the renovation of his kitchen.

Director Dominguez presented an American Flag to Fatty during the event to congratulate him for his successful application.

The event held in Mescalero was the last of the National Homeownership celebration in 2022.

The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the New Mexico Association of Realtors also partnered with Rural Development for the National Homeownership celebration. The partnership’s goal is to expand housing opportunities for families and individuals so they can build wealth and achieve financial stability.

For more information on USDA Rural Development’s home loan opportunities visit: https://www.rd.usda.gov/nm