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USDA Celebrates National Homeownership Month

Name
Nicole Howell
Release Date

Biden-Harris Administration Highlights Programs to Help People Buy, Build, Repair and Rent Homes in Rural, Tribal and Underserved Communities

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2022 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack kicked off National Homeownership Month. As part of this nationwide celebration, USDA is highlighting programs that help people in rural, Tribal and underserved areas buy, build and repair affordable homes and to pay their rent in America’s smallest towns and communities.

“Rural America is a place everyone can call home,” Vilsack said. “Whether you own or rent a home, you’re invested in and connected to the place you live. While homeownership is a good fit for many, renting also helps people invest in their communities and build wealth for their families and generations to come. This kind of support is critical now more than ever, as people in rural communities face rising housing costs. Through single family, multi-family, rental assistance, home repair and other programs, USDA Rural Development is here to improve rural livability across the United States.”

USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Rhiannon Hampson said, “In addition to being a basic need, safe and secure housing is foundational to creating community. Children remaining in their school districts, individuals and families staying close to loved ones, friends, and work, all help to foster a deeper sense of belonging. USDA Rural Development housing programs are there to meet these needs, and to be a part of that community building. Each and every day our program staff work with Mainers, new and old alike, to ensure access to affordable housing, much needed home repairs, and technical assistance. At Rural Development Maine, we are in the business of bringing people home, and with the support of the Biden-Harris Administration, we can do just that.

Expanding opportunities for homeownership and rental assistance strengthens rural communities and helps families and individuals build wealth and achieve financial stability. This month, the Department is highlighting the ways the Biden-Harris Administration has invested $26 billion to help nearly 150,000 families and individuals in rural and Tribal communities buy, repair and build homes through USDA Rural Development’s single family housing programs. More than 35,000 families and individuals living in socially vulnerable communities have achieved homeownership.

In addition, USDA works to increase access to affordable multifamily rental housing opportunities in rural America. The Department is currently helping nearly 300,000 tenants afford to pay their rent through rental assistance. This assistance ensures low-income and elderly tenants pay no more than 30% of their income in rent. For more information, visit Multifamily Housing Programs | Rural Development (usda.gov).

USDA is also highlighting ways it is working with lenders and community partners to open the door to homeownership for rural Americans who have been unserved or underserved for far too long. USDA is hosting events across the nation to showcase affordable housing programs for lenders, community partners, families and individuals. USDA’s single family housing programs are:

Visit the Single Family Housing program webpage or contact a Rural Development State Office to learn more about USDA homeownership programs near you.

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 Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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