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USDA Announces $4.8 Million to Repair Rural Housing

Name
Misha Divens
City
Olympia
Release Date

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is investing $4.8 million to help rural families repair and rehabilitate their homes.

 "Many lower-income families in rural areas often have difficulty affording housing upkeep and maintenance," Vilsack said.  "This USDA program provides grants for repairs such as the removal of health or safety hazards so rural residents can stay in their homes.  In addition to preserving housing, this program can help people lower their housing costs through energy efficiency and weatherization improvements."

 USDA is making assistance available through the Housing Preservation Grant program. The Department provides financing to intermediaries such as local governments, public agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes, non-profit organizations, and faith-based and community groups.  These recipients distribute the grants to homeowners and owners of multi-family rental properties or cooperative dwellings who rent to low- and very-low-income residents.  Funds are not provided directly to homeowner.

In Washington State, The Lummi Nation Housing Authority will receive $54,294 in a grant to help 24 low-income Tribal families rehabilitate and repair their homes. IOm

Including Washington State, USDA is providing grants for 107 projects in 46 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, including Washington State. Funding is contingent upon the recipients meeting the terms of their grant agreement. Since the start of the Obama Administration, USDA has provided more than $43 million in Housing Preservation Grants that have leveraged almost $153 million to repair and rehabilitate nearly 11,000 homes and apartments in rural communities.

President Obama’s historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger.  Under his 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.