The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development offices in Virginia are hosting information sessions about their guaranteed and direct single family housing loan programs to allow lenders, realtors, nonprofit partners and interested individuals to ask questions about the programs.

Information session participants can expect an overview of the programs and their processes and an opportunity to speak directly with USDA Rural Development single family housing specialists.

Martinsville Wednesday, March 23 10:30 am - 12 pm Blue Ridge Public Library 310 East Church St, Martinsville, VA	Harrisonburg Wednesday, April 6 10:30 am - 12 pm  Massanutten Regional Library 174 S Main St, Harrisonburg, VA
Warsaw Friday, April 8 10:30 am - 12 pm Rappahannock Community College 52 Campus Dr, Warsaw, VA

NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) is still very much alive and well in Virginia and many good housing projects and programs never make it out of the starting gate due to opposition from neighbors and others.  To help you be better prepared to successfully address NIMBY concerns, Housing Virginia is offering a half day training opportunity that aims to assist affordable housing providers, local government, and advocates with their efforts in overcoming opposition to their projects and policies. Nimbyism (Not in My Backyard) is a frequently encountered negative reaction to change by community residents and businesses.