USDA in Puerto Rico is celebrating National Homeownership Month. Today, we are proud to announce the handover of a newly constructed home to a deserving senior citizen, made possible through a subsidized loan.
Morovis, June 20, 2024 - Celebrating the essence of Homeownership Month, Maximiliano J. Trujillo-Ortega, the State Director of USDA Rural Development in Puerto Rico, marks this significant month with a gesture of community and care.
Trujillo-Ortega stated that today we are in the municipality of Morovis handing over a residence to Mr. Jaime R. Maldonado, a senior citizen who lived in a rented apartment without the comfort he needed.
In the municipality of Morovis, Mr. Jaime R. Maldonado, previously a tenant in an apartment lacking essential comforts, now revels in the joy of his own home. His journey from tenant to homeowner began with a visit to our Morovis Office, where the dream of building his own abode took root. The Section 502 Single Family Housing Construction Program of USDA Rural Development extended a lifeline in the form of a $152,000 low-interest loan, transforming Mr. Maldonado’s vision into a tangible sanctuary.
To date, our Single-Family Housing Program has channeled an impressive $111,982, 506 into Direct and Guaranteed Loan Programs across Puerto Rico this year alone, aiding 870 families and individuals in securing their dream homes.
Furthering our commitment, Trujillo-Ortega is thrilled to invite community organizations to partake in the grant program aimed at refurbishing affordable housing within our rural enclaves. This call to action extends to state governments, municipalities, and non-profit and faith-based organizations, all of whom are integral to this initiative.
The USDA is providing funds through the Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) Program. These funds can be used to:
- Repair or replace electrical wiring, foundations, roofs, insulation, and water/waste disposal systems.
- Support accessibility.
- Purchase construction materials.
- Finance administrative expenses up to 20%.
Last year, Puerto Rico received $817,417.43 in HPG, assisting 11 institutions and municipalities in repairing homes across Puerto Rico.
The USDA is also highlighting ways it is collaborating with lenders and community partners to open the door to homeownership for rural Puerto Ricans who have been underserved or inadequately served for too long. USDA Rural Development in Puerto Rico is organizing events across the island to showcase affordable housing programs for lenders, community partners, families, and individuals. The USDA Rural Development’s single-family housing programs are:
- The Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans Program provides loans directly to families and individuals so they can purchase or build homes in rural Puerto Rico.
- The Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program allows collaboration with private lending institutions, backing their loans to help families and individuals purchase homes in rural areas.
- The Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants provide loans and grants to help families and individuals repair their homes to make them safer and healthier places to live.
- The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants provide grants to qualified organizations to help them carry out local self-help housing construction projects.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Puerto Ricans in rural areas. This assistance supports improvements in infrastructure; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and healthcare; and access to high-speed internet in rural and high-poverty areas.
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