COLUMBIA, S.C. — The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development department is making approximately $12.2 million in grants available to eligible participants for the repair and rehabilitation of homes, rental properties and cooperatives for people in rural areas with low or very low incomes. Eligible areas include rural areas and towns with 20,000 or less.
Funding is through the USDA's Housing Preservation Grant program and is part of the agency's celebration of Homeownership Month.
Under the Housing Preservation Grant, most state and local government agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes, nonprofit groups and faith-based organizations would be eligible for the funds. Awarded funds could go towards:
- Repair or replace electrical wiring, foundations, roofs, insulation, heating systems and water/waste disposal systems.
- Support accessibility features.
- Purchase construction materials.
- Finance administrative expenses up to 20%
Individual home owners are not eligible for the program.
Learn how to apply for the grant program here. Deadline to apply is July 29, 2024.