Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is investing $3.7 million to help rural families repair and rehabilitate their homes. The fund are being awarded through the Housing Preservation Grant Program (HPG) in 46 states and Puerto Rico to support the renovation of 1,147 units.
“Many low-income families in rural areas struggle to afford necessary housing upkeep,” Vilsack said. “This USDA program provides grants for repairs not only to ensure that properties are in compliance with health and safety codes, but also to help people lower their maintenance cost through energy efficiency and weatherization improvements. All of these efforts make sure rural folk can stay in their homes.”
USDA is provides financing to such as local governments, public agencies, non-profit organizations and faith-based and community groups. These entities distribute the grants to individual homeowners as well as to owners of multi-family rental properties or cooperative dwellings who rent to low- and very-low-income residents.
José Otero-García, Rural Development State Director for Puerto Rico indicated that $120,280 were assigned for 10 municipalities ($12,028 each) to repair and rehabilitate homes in rural communities. The municipalities are Cabo Rojo, Cayey, Coamo, Corozal, Guánica, Jayuya, Juncos, Maricao, Moca and Yabucoa.
Since the start of the Obama Administration, USDA has provided almost $47 million in HPG that have leverage more than $167 million to repair and rehabilitate 12,000 homes and apartments in rural communities.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.
For additional information please, contact Miguel Ramírez, Public Affairs Coordinator at (787) 766-5095 ext. 155 or visit our web www.rd.usda.gov/pr