LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, April 19, 2024 -- USDA Rural Development has expanded access to the Section 504 Home Repair Loans & Grants in Presidentially Declared Disasters Pilot Program to assist low-income homeowners who have damage to their homes caused by Presidentially Declared Disasters on or after July 18, 2022.
In Arkansas, the following declared disasters are covered by the Pilot:
FEMA Disaster 4700 – January/February 2023 Severe Winter Storm affecting Bradley, Calhoun, Cleveland, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Grant, Jefferson, Lincoln, Nevada, Ouachita, Searcy and Scott Counties;
FEMA Disaster 4698 – March 2023 Severe Storms and Tornadoes affecting Pulaski, Lonoke and Cross Counties; and
FEMA Disaster 4748 – June 2023 Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes affecting Arkansas, Faulkner, Lonoke and Poinsett Counties.
Through the pilot program, more homeowners are eligible to apply and the funds may be used in new ways including: Expanded eligibility: Homeowners 18 and older can apply for disaster-related grants and loans.
- Increased grant limit: The maximum grant available increased from $10,000 to $40,675.
- The program offers home repair loans for up to 20 years at 1% interest.
- Debt refinancing and reimbursement allowed: Reimbursement and refinancing may be possible for costs incurred as a result of the natural disaster.
- Mobile or manufactured home allowances: Funding may be used towards the cost of moving a unit from one site to another.
- Occupancy flexibility: An applicant may be eligible even if they do not currently occupy the home if they were temporarily displaced by the storm damage and will occupy it within 12 months.
“The President and USDA are working hard to find solutions to help our rural communities that are still recovering from the impact of last year’s severe weather and tornadoes,” said State Director Jill Floyd. “This program provides Rural Arkansans more access to the resources they need to rebuild their homes and lives after the storm. If your home was damaged during one of these natural disasters, the 504 Home Repair pilot program may be able to help. It covers traditional and manufactured housing and offers reimbursements for emergency repairs already completed. This pilot program aims to help even more low-income Arkansans recover and enjoy safe, secure homes.”
Funds may also be available for future presidentially declared disasters through July 2025. For more information about eligibility or how to apply, contact your local USDA RD Single Family Housing office (call 207-990-9100 or email SFHArkansas@USDA.gov) or visit www.rd.usda.gov/ar.
USDA is committed to supporting rural communities recover from disasters. Developing new programs and flexibilities is one of USDA’s strategies to help impacted communities build back stronger and combat the effects of climate change.
LINKS:
Section 504 Home Repair Loans & Grants in Presidentially Declared Disasters Pilot Program
Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants
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