USDA Rural Development will help rural, low-income homeowners repair or improve their homes this spring through the Single Family Housing Repair Program. This program offers loans that can be repaid over 20 years with a fixed one percent interest rate for home improvement projects that repair existing damages, remove health or safety hazards, or make energy efficiency investments. Very-low income seniors aging in place can seek a $7,500 grant to help remove health and safety hazards and increase the accessibility of their homes.
In 2016, more than 100 Vermont families improved their homes with the support of a USDA Home Repair loan or grant. Past projects include fixing broken wells, repairing roofs, and increasing home accessibility through installing a ramp or bathroom modifications. USDA hopes to increase the number of homeowners served by this program across the state. Interested applicants should contact the USDA Housing Specialist closest to them. Specialists include: Deborah Boyd (Southern Vermont), (802) 689-3023; Megan Roush (Central Vermont) (802) 828-6006; Rita Weisburgh (Northwestern Vermont) (802) 828-6003; or Dianne Drown (Northeast Kingdom) (802) 748-8746 ext. 125.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural areas.
For more information on Rural Development visit the Vermont Rural Development website (www.rd.usda.gov/vt ) or contact USDA RD at (802) 828-6000.