Sellers man helps others to rebuild homes

At a time where Marion County’s economy continues to struggle there aren’t many bright spots for the less fortunate. But one Sellers’ man has been doing his best to give those people something to look forward to and a little hope

Frank Jones, a former Marion Police Department Lieutenant (14 years) and Sellers Mayor (1988-99), has helped more than 70 people rebuild their homes during the past five or so years.

That sounds like some pretty fast carpenter work, but Jones hasn’t picked up a single hammer or saw. Instead, his tool of choice is a pen and word processor, which he uses to help guide folks through lengthy paperwork and loan application processes associated with two, U.S. Department of Agriculture program designed to assist rural homeowners.

After Jones retired from the police force due to a back injury, he was searching for a way to continue to help people. A new path to service opened up when he received a phone call from a friend who told him about the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Repair and Rehabilitation loan and grant. The grant is available to a homeowner who is 62 years of age or older. Loans are available to very low-income -- $17, 000 a year or less -- rural residents who own and occupy a home in need of repairs. Funds may only be used for home repairs or improvements to remove health and safety hazards, or make a household accessible for those with disabilities.

Jones said if he can find something to help someone else in need he should spread the word. That’s exactly what he did.

An example of the kind of assistance Jones provides is the case of Dennis Horne, a 62-year-old Sellers’ man who house as literally falling apart.

“Dennis came to me several months ago and he said ‘Frank I need your help,’” Jones said. “He said ‘you’re the only one that tries to help us and I need your help.’ I asked him what the problem was and he brought me over here and showed me (his home) and I started (to help him) immediately.”

Horne’s bathroom ceiling caved in due to water damage. He has been unable to use his restroom for the past couple of years. His kitchen and bedroom floors are failing, too. Horne is forced to use a backyard water pump to obtain fresh water.

With help from Jones, Horne recently received $14, 900 from the USDA to repair his home. He received the max amount in grant money at $7, 500 and the remaining $7, 400 he received in the Rural Repair and Rehabilitation loan.

“I appreciate getting my grant and money grant, getting my house fixed and stuff,” Horne said. “Because I ain’t got nothing.”

Horne plans to use the money to repair his bathroom, replace his kitchen and fix the floor around his home.

Jones work with Horne won’t stop there however. He plans to help line up contractors and handle other tasks during the process. Jones normally hires Marion County contractors because he likes to see the money spent where he lives.

Currently Jones is working with 14 people in Sellers, Marion and Mullins, starting them down the path to obtaining a loan and/or grant.

Thomas Stanley, 72, who lives two houses down the road from Horne, is one of the 14. He is currently staying at a friend’s home, because the floor at his house is unsafe. He grew up in the home and when his parents passed away he took over ownership. Stanley still goes to his home to sit on the porch during the day, but can’t go inside.

Stanley said there is a lot of work to be done on his home and he doesn’t know how to thank Jones for all he has done to help.

All of Stanley’s applications have been turned in and he is hoping he will receive his good news sometime soon.

Jones said he will continue to help people as long as he can. He even hopes to form a group that can expand and continue the work he’s doing. He’ll be glad to teach them “the trade.” He has already received strong support from Marion County Councilmen Simon Jenkins, Sellers City Councilwomen Dedra McCray and Sarah Crawford, a community worker.

Jones said it’s all about making people happy and getting them what they need.  “When I can put a smile on a person’s face, it makes me feel good,” he said. And that’s why he will continue on.

To learn more about the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Repair and Rehabilitation loan and grant visit www.rurdev.usda.gov.