The Rural Housing Service(RHS) of USDA Rural Development works to improve the quality of life for rural Americans by ensuring that they have access to safe, well-built, affordable homes.  A house is more than a roof over our heads; it is often the cornerstone upon which rests our ability to live near good jobs and to gain access to good schools and other public services.  Homeownership builds economic stability and, over the long term, creates equity to finance education, business startups and retirement.  People with equity in their homes not only take greater pride in them, they also become more involved in their communities.  RHS thus not only helps rural people acquire homes, it helps build better lives and communities.