Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack 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. In Oregon, $34,767 will be made available.
“These grants help rural homeowners and rental housing owners repair and improve their properties,” Vilsack said. “Funds may be used to resolve health or safety issues, make accessibility modifications for people with disabilities, or make energy-efficiency improvements to reduce utility costs.”
Eligible applicants for Housing Preservation Grants include town or county governments, public agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes, nonprofits, 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 nationwide through September 30, 2015. Applicants wishing to apply, with the exception of federally recognized tribes, must make their statement of activities available to the public for comment in a newspaper of general circulation in the project area no later than June 20, 2015.
Pre-applications are due by July 6, 2015. Pre-applications submitted electronically must be received no later than 2:00 pm. Paper pre-applications in Oregon should be submitted to the following address by no later than 5:00 pm:
USDA Rural Development
ATTN: Faith Harris
1201 NE Lloyd Blvd, Suite 801
Portland, OR 97232
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.