When a 135-year-old brick home went up for sale, Trisha Pickar needed a loan not only for purchase, but also for renovation. Her community banker referred her to MMCDC for financing, and she went to work.

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Family and friends rolled up their sleeves alongside Trisha as she created a one-of-a-kind kitchen in her new home. It features distressed-wood and recycled-tin cabinets from a custom cabinet-maker, salvaged stainless steel, and weathered barnwood. “I either cut it or measured it or nailed it, “ she said, “every single piece in here.” This summer, neighbors will see a much-improved lawn and new garage siding, too.

The community helped Trisha reach her goals. Perham Housing and Redevelopment Authority provided $3,000 in down-payment assistance, with zero interest and deferred payments under a program that dates back to the 1990s, said Mary Holzer, HRA / EDA assistant. At least two other MMCDC customers received HRA loans in 2014.