USDA Rural Development Offering Home Preservation Grants

The USDA Rural Development’s Housing Preservation Grant program is accepting applications to make house repairs for low- and very low-income rural residents, according to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Up to $3.3 million will be made in grants for Fiscal Year 2015. Town or county governments, public agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes and nonprofit and faith-based organizations are eligible to apply. Grant funds are not directly administered to homeowners.

The grants are designed to “help rural homeowners and rental housing owners repair and improve their properties,” Vilsack said. He said the funds may be used for resolving health or safety issues, making accessibility modifications for people with disabilities or making energy-efficiency improvements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower utility costs.

For eligibility requirements, contact the USDA Rural Development Texas State Office Housing Program at (254)742-9770. Pre-applications must be in by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on July 6, 2015.