Department Promotes Resources and Opportunities to Help Rural Residents
Mt. Laurel, June 5, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today kicked off National Homeownership Month by highlighting USDA’s ongoing role in supporting rural homeownership. President Trump issued a proclamation on May 29 recognizing June as National Homeownership Month.
“Rural communities are rising to the challenge put forth by the coronavirus pandemic,” Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to being a strong partner in building prosperity in rural communities and for the people who call them home – especially those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To assist homeowners facing current hardships, USDA is offering payment moratoriums and modified application processes. USDA Rural Development is also working with new borrowers and their lenders to make special accommodations based on local needs and restrictions. For the most up-to-date information on Rural Development’s response to COVID-19, visit rd.usda.gov/coronavirus. Updates are also distributed via Twitter @usdaRD.
In New Jersey, State Director Michael Thulen, Jr. announced today USDA invested $118,213,908 million to help 662 families and individuals buy a home. The state also provided $209,923 thousand for home repairs for 29 very low-income rural residents. “Homeownership is something most families strive for and at this time when interest rates are at an all-time low more people may be able to purchase houses in rural New Jersey with Rural Development loans. At times rural areas of New Jersey can be easily overlooked by other programs helping to increase homeownership, however these investments are a priority for us as Trump Administration officials and we at NJ USDA Rural Development look forward working with as many applicants as we can find this important month.”
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
If you’d like to subscribe to updates from USDA Rural Development, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
#
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.