Home Repair Grant Limits Increased for Arkansans by USDA Rural Development
Jill Floyd, the USDA Rural Development State Director for Arkansas, made a promising announcement regarding a substantial increase in grant limits available to homeowners in 13 counties across Arkansas. This comes as part of the USDA’s effort to aid residents in making necessary repairs to homes that were adversely affected by severe weather events occurring between January 30 and February 2, 2023.
Floyd emphasized the significance of stable and affordable housing in maintaining the health and prosperity of small towns, particularly following disasters. She stated, “Our programs can help restore hope and rekindle a rural community’s spirit.”
Due to President Biden’s approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for Arkansas, grant limits have seen an increase from $10,000 to $40,675 for those who qualify for financial and direct services.
This funding is available via Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Home Repair Loan and Grant program. This program is geared towards assisting income-eligible homeowners in rural communities in carrying out necessary health and safety repairs to their homes.
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The window for benefiting from these increased grant limits extends until September 28, 2023. Homeowners must submit their application by this date to qualify for the full increased amount.
On top of this, 1% loans up to $40,000 are also accessible to facilitate repairs and other home improvements. These loans are targeted towards homeowners residing in rural areas with a population of less than 20,000 and those with existing RD loans who were directly impacted by the harsh weather.
The eligibility criteria for the Single-Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants include being the homeowner and occupying the house, being unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere, having a family income below 50 percent of the area median income, and for grants, being 62 years old or older and unable to repay a repair loan.
A comprehensive list of counties to which the increased grant applies can be found on the FEMA website. You can verify whether your home is located in an eligible Rural Development service area by visiting the RD Property Eligibility Website.
For more information about the Home Repair Program, or to apply, please visit the Arkansas Rural Development website or call the Arkansas Rural Development Disaster Hotline at (501) 301-3211. The hotline operates Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
