USDA Offers $1 Million in Home-owner Assistance

A press release from the USDA posted Wednesday shows that $1 million is being offered to state and non-profit organizations for "counseling and technical assistance grants to help rural residents obtain adequate housing and to reduce the level of delinquent payments among borrowers."

The article goes on to say that half the money in already allocated to 5 states that have suffered severe hardships due to natural disasters, or have high levels of substandard housing and poverty. These states are California, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The remaining $500,000 will be awarded, one grant per state, to the other 45.

Agricultural Department Secretary, Chuck Connor, was quoted in the press release. "These grants will help community- and faith-based organizations reach out to rural residents in need of safe, affordable housing," Conner said. "Rural Development helped nearly 43,000 families become homeowners in 2006. Programs like the one announced today help rural residents remain in their homes."

Pre-applications for the grants must be submitted by July 20,2007. Grants of up to $100,000 could be awarded to non-profit and community organizations.

Jay Fletcher is listed as the contact person. Calls to his office have yet to be answered.

Going to the USDA Rural Development home page shows other grants being offered.

The Dept. of Energy and the USDA will be making some $18 million available for research in alternative energy sources.

$19.7 million is being awarded to "create or retain jobs" for rural businesses. Agriculture Under Secretary Thomas Dorr said,"These funds will help support local economic development agencies, finance infrastructure improvements, establish low-interest revolving loan funds, and help jurisdictions implement regional business and community development plans."

Dorr also announced other funding available to rural areas. $3.5 million to form co-ops to improve economic conditions. $4.95 million for public broadcasting stations to go digital. $62.9 million for "distance learning and telemedicine loans." In another press release, this is explained. "Since 2002, USDA has invested more than $166 million in its Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program, allowing 3,796 rural educational facilities to expand their access to modern telecommunications technology, and 2,226 health care institutions to develop technologies needed to enhance local medical care."

June is National Homeownership Month. It is fitting these monies be made available during this time.

Source: United States Department of Agriculture, Press Release No. 0173.07 : USDA Rural Development Home Page, Press Release No. 0089.07