Ombudsman office investigates special home purchase loan for area man

A building on West Monument Avenue that houses the Dayton-Montgomery County ombudsman's offices. CORNELIUS FROLIK / STAFF

A building on West Monument Avenue that houses the Dayton-Montgomery County ombudsman's offices. CORNELIUS FROLIK / STAFF

Editor’s note: The Dayton Ombudsman Office provides weekly columns to the Dayton Daily News to bring awareness to issues it sees in the community.

The Ombudsman was contacted by a man seeking assistance in filing an application for a special home purchase loan offered through the United States Department of Agriculture. The man moved in with his daughter some months ago to help her, but now he wants a home of his own. He reported getting the run-around in his efforts to gain assistance, and some places don’t know what he is asking about or don’t return his telephone calls. The Ombudsman agreed to investigate the program and to learn if there were a way we could assist him with the process if he is eligible.

The Ombudsman conducted some research about the Section 502 Direct Loan program, then called the Ohio office with some questions. The Dayton area is not eligible, but there are some areas outside the city which are eligible. The staff person there sent an eligibility map of the area. The staff person also sent email whereby the man could take an initial assessment to learn if he can quality for the USDA Direct loan. She also sent the application, the address to send it when completed, and the contact person’s name, telephone and email address.

The man called to thank the Ombudsman for the information, and to report that he had completed the application except for the $25 check for the fee. He expressed his need to clear up an old, disputed item on his credit report prior to filing the application. He expressed his gratitude for the Ombudsman Office assistance in informing him about the program and his application.

The Ombudsman Column, a production of the Joint Office of Citizens’ Complaints, summarizes selected problems that citizens have had with government services, schools and nursing homes in the Dayton area. Contact the Ombudsman by writing to us at 11 W. Monument Ave., Suite 606, Dayton 45402, call 937-223- 4613, or by electronic mail at ombudsman@dayton-ombudsman.org.

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