USDA-Rural Development (USDA-RD) Alaska State Director Jim Nordlund announced today that USDA is seeking applications for grants to make housing repairs for low and very low income rural residents. The grants are being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Housing Preservation Grant program.
"USDA-RD provides grants to qualified organizations so they can help rural homeowners and rental housing owners make repairs and improvements," Nordlund said. "These grants help families with limited incomes preserve their housing and improve their living conditions. They can be used for a variety of needs, such as repairs to resolve health or safety issues or for energy-efficiency improvements to reduce utility costs. The program also boosts economic activity for housing contractors in rural areas who are hired to make the home upgrades and repairs."
For example, in 2014, USDA-RD awarded the Metlakatla Housing Authority awarded a $50,000 Housing Preservation Grant to help their rural families repair and rehabilitate their homes.
Eligible applicants for Housing Preservation Grants include town or county governments, public agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes, and non-profit and faith-based organizations. USDA does not provide funding directly to homeowners under this program. For additional eligibility information, see page 28943 of the May 20, 2015 Federal Register.
USDA is making up to $3.3 million in grants available nationally in Fiscal Year 2015. Pre-applications are due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 6, 2015.
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.