USDA Rural Development Texas State Director Paco Valentin announced funding today of a $78,761 Housing Preservation Grant to the Habitat for Humanity of Smith County to rehabilitate 46 homes for very low and low income homeowners in Smith County.
“The cost of maintaining a home is challenging for many rural homeowners,” said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development State Director. “Rural Development Housing Preservation grants help families with limited incomes preserve their housing and improve their living conditions. The program also boosts economic activity for housing contractors in rural areas who are hired to make home upgrades and repairs.”
Funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development's Housing Preservation Grant program. Funds are provided to intermediaries such as local governments, public agencies, federally-recognized Indian Tribes, and non-profit, faith-based and community organizations. These organizations then distribute the grants to homeowners. Funds are not directly provided to eligible homeowners by USDA.
Grants may be used to make general repairs, such as installing or improving plumbing, or providing or enhancing access to people with disabilities. Funds may also be used to make homes more energy efficient.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility 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 America. For information on this and other USDA Rural Development programs in Texas, visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/TXHome.html.