The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a pilot program to help homeowners in presidentially declared disaster areas repair homes damaged by flooding. The program is available to homeowners in Allamakee, Clayton, Dubuque, Jackson, Scott, Des Moines, and Lee counties in Iowa.
To qualify for the program, homeowners must meet specific income and eligibility criteria. Additionally, they must live in a rural area and possess a home that suffered damage during a presidentially declared disaster.
The USDA's pilot program seeks to expand eligibility for its Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants program by implementing several key changes, which include:
• Lowering the minimum age requirement from 62 to 18 for eligible homeowners.
• Increasing the maximum lifetime assistance to $40,675.
• Allowing for the refinancing of debt and reimbursement of repair costs incurred due to the natural disaster before the application date.
• Providing financing options for relocating mobile and manufactured homes.
To apply for the pilot program, homeowners should get in touch with their local USDA Rural Development office. For additional details on the application process, you can contact IowaHomeLoans@usda.gov or call (515) 284-4444. More information can be found on page 60883 of the September 6th Federal Register and page 45809 of July 18th Federal Register.
The USDA's pilot program aligns with the government's commitment to aiding rural communities in their recovery from natural disasters. USDA Rural Development offers loans and grants aimed at boosting economic opportunities, supporting job growth, and improving the quality of life for millions of Americans residing in rural areas.
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Categories: Iowa, Government & Policy