LEVANT – USDA Rural Development marked June National Homeownership Month with a home ownership celebration on June 18 for Lila Curtis of Levant, who now has a new home.

Curtis is a 72-year-old widow who was living in a pre-1970 manufactured home without insulation and with two additions. During the winter months, Curtis had to block off both additions due to lack of insulation and to save on heat. She placed plastic on the inside of her home to help cut down on heat loss.

The additions also had roofing problems, such as leaks and the shifting of the roofing system. With the two additions blocked off during the winter, only one exit was available in case of fire. The doors going to her house opened in the winter because of shifting frost in the ground.

In addition to celebrating Curtis’ new home, the event was an opportunity to celebrate partners who helped make it possible for her to acquire a new home and to increase public awareness about programs available to assist Maine people in achieving the American Dream of home ownership.

USDA Associate Administrator for Rural Development Peter Morgan presented Curtis with the key to home ownership.