WASHINGTON, D.C. — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the USDA is investing $3.7 million to help rural families repair and rehabilitate their homes. The funds are being awarded through the Housing Preservation Grant program in 46 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to support the renovation of 1,147 units.
“Many low-income families in rural areas struggle to afford necessary housing upkeep,” Vilsack said. “This USDA program provides grants for repairs not only to ensure that properties are in compliance with health and safety codes, but also to help people lower their maintenance costs through energy efficiency and weatherization improvements. All of these efforts make sure rural folks can stay in their homes.”
USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Virginia Manuel said, “At this critical time of the year as weather turns colder and many Mainers struggle to pay their heating bills, I am pleased that USDA Rural Development can provide funding to our partners that will help 30 Maine families in five counties weatherize and make repairs to their homes. This helps them to preserve what is often their most valuable asset and provide a safe, warm home for their families.”
Western Maine Community Action, located in Wilton has been selected to receive a housing preservation grant in the amount of $25,000. Funds will be used to rehabilitate and repair 10 homes for very low income households in Franklin County. Funds will be used in conjunction with weatherization, central heating improvement, and other funding sources for anticipated leveraged funds totaling in excess of $109,000.
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