CONGRESSMAN CUELLAR: $9.8 MILLION IN USDA GRANTS FOR RURAL HOME REPAIR & PRESERVATION
Written by admin, Jul 29, 2011, 0 Comments
CONGRESSMAN CUELLAR: $9.8 MILLION IN USDA GRANTS FOR RURAL HOME REPAIR & PRESERVATION
Funding available to weatherize and repair existing structures, install or improve plumbing or provide access to people with disabilities
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced this week that applications are being accepted for grants to eligible applicants to help low- and very-low income rural residents repair their homes.
“Housing Preservation Grants help bring job growth and stability to low-income communities while improving the living conditions of rural Americans,” Congressman Cuellar said. “This grant can be used to weatherize and repair existing homes, as well as install or improve plumbing or provide access to people with disabilities.”
Housing Preservation Grants are provided to intermediaries such as town or county governments, public agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes, and non-profit and faith-based organizations. The grants are then distributed to qualified homeowners or owners of multi-family rental properties or cooperative dwellings who rent to low- and very-low-income residents. Funding is not provided directly to homeowners by USDA under this program.
“These funds can help those homeowners with limited resources to improve their living conditions for them and their families,” said Congressman Cuellar, a member of the House Agriculture Committee. “During these tough economic times, the costs of maintaining a home can be detrimental for those with limited income, and this program, through the work of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and our efforts on the House Agriculture Committee, has the potential of helping many – especially those who most need help now.” USDA may award up to $9.8 million in competitive grants through the Housing Preservation Grant program. Applications are due on Aug. 22, 2011. For more information about application details, please visit www.usda.gov or call the information hotline at (202) 720-2791.
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. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $153 billion in loans and loan guarantees. 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.
