Willacy County Texas: USDA Offers $10,000 Grants and $40,000 Loans for Home Repairs

Willacy County Homeowners: Free Help to Apply for USDA Repair Funds

If you own a home in rural Willacy County, Texas, you may be able to get up to $10,000 in grant money — money you never have to pay back — plus up to $40,000 in low-interest loans for home repairs through the USDA Rural Development program.

And you don't have to figure out the application on your own. Prairie View A&M University Extension is offering free technical assistance to help Willacy County homeowners complete and submit their applications.

What Can the Money Be Used For?

USDA home repair funds can cover a wide range of urgent repairs, including:

• Health and safety hazards (mold, lead paint, structural issues)
• Accessibility improvements for residents with disabilities
• Window insulation and weatherization
• Roof repairs
• Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
• General renovations to make the home livable and safe

Grants vs. Loans: What's the Difference?

The USDA's Section 504 Home Repair program offers two types of assistance:

• Grants up to $10,000: Available to homeowners who are 62 years or older and cannot repay a loan. This money does not need to be repaid.
• Loans up to $40,000: Available to lower-income homeowners at a 1% fixed interest rate with up to 20-year terms. Some borrowers may combine grants and loans for up to $50,000 in total assistance.

Eligibility is income-based. You must own and occupy the home, and the property must be in a rural area.

How to Apply — Free Help Available

Prairie View A&M University Extension is providing free application assistance to Willacy County homeowners. Here's how the process works:

1. Contact the Prairie View A&M University Willacy County Extension Office
2. An extension agent will help you review the application and gather required documents
3. The completed application gets submitted to USDA Rural Development with a contractor quote
4. Once selected, a contractor signs an agreement and completes the work

Visit the Prairie View A&M University Willacy County Extension website to get started or find out if you qualify.

Who Else Might Qualify?

If you're not in Willacy County, the USDA Section 504 program is available in rural areas across the country. Contact your local USDA Rural Development office to ask about eligibility in your area.