LITTLE ROCK, AR. – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Arkansas Jill Floyd announced today increased grant limits. available to homeowners in thirteen Arkansas counties to make repairs to their homes due to the impact of Severe Winter Storms that struck Arkansas between January 30 and February 2, 2023.
“We understand that stable and affordable housing helps small towns stay healthy and prosperous,” Floyd said. “Particularly important in the aftermath of disasters, our programs can help restore hope and rekindle a rural community’s spirit.”
As a result of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.’s approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for Arkansas, grant limits have been increased from $10,000 to $40,675 in the FEMA-designated counties that are eligible to apply for financial and direct services. Funding is available through Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Home Repair Loan and Grant program that helps income-eligible homeowners in rural communities make health and safety repairs to their homes.
Increased grant limits are available until September 28, 2023. To access the full increased amount, homeowners must apply by this date. In addition, one percent loans up to $40,000 are also available to assist with repairs and other home improvements for homeowners living in rural areas of less than 20,000 residents and homeowners with existing RD loans, directly affected by the Severe Winter Storms.
Applicants for the Single–Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants must:
Be the homeowner and occupy the house
Be unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere
Have a family income below 50 percent of the area median income For grants, be 62 years old or older and unable to repay a repair loan
A list of the designated counties is available on the FEMA website. To find out if your home is located in an eligible Rural Development service area, visit the RD Property Eligibility Website.
To apply for the Home Repair Program or for more information on RD programs, including “low interest loans to build or buy a home, visit the Arkansas Rural Development website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/ar or call the Arkansas Rural Development Disaster Hotline at 501-301-3211, M–F 7:30AM-5:30PM.
Background:
USDA RD has more than 40 loan, grant, and technical assistance programs available to help improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Many of these programs can also help community efforts related to disaster recovery. USDA RD partners with local leaders, developers, local, state, and Tribal governments, cooperatives, nonprofits, private organizations, and a nationwide network of participating lenders to help rural people and communities suffering the effects of disasters. USDA RD programs support a variety of needs including:
Transitional Housing and Home Repair
Infrastructure and Emergency Equipment Financing
Essential Community Facilities
Telehealth, Distance Learning and Rural Broadband Connectivity Rural Business Planning and Recovery
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/ar.
# USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.