USDA Grant Initiative to Rebuild California’s Rural Areas
In a bid to assist rural communities grappling with the aftermath of disasters, a new federal grant initiative has emerged. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has collaborated with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to facilitate access to Single Family Housing Rural Disaster Home Repair grants and loans for Californians in need.
Educating and Empowering Communities
Understanding that education plays a pivotal role in the recovery process, Cal OES has taken proactive steps by hosting multiple webinars. These webinars serve as a direct outreach effort, providing vital information about the available financial aid and guidance on the application process.
Apply Today for Long-Term Support
Individuals seeking assistance can apply for the Single Family Housing Rural Disaster Home Repair Grant and Loan program throughout the year, contingent on the availability of funds. This pilot program is set to run until July 18, 2025, covering disasters declared by the President within that timeframe.
Financial Support Overview
Under this program, eligible applicants can access a maximum grant amount of $40,675 and a maximum loan amount of $40,000. These funds are intended to address disaster-related home repair expenses and can also be applied retroactively to cover costs incurred for repairs made prior to receiving the grant. Furthermore, the funding can be employed for site preparation or to assist with the expenses associated with relocating to a manufactured home.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this assistance:
- You must be the homeowner and have the ability to occupy the house within 12 months.
- Your household income should fall within the very-low and low-income limits as specified.
- The damage to your home must be a result of a Presidentially Declared Disaster occurring on or after July 18, 2022.
Residents residing in rural areas of various California counties may be eligible for funding, including but not limited to Alameda, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ventura, among others. To ascertain your eligibility, you can visit the USDA Income and Property Eligibility website. For comprehensive program details, you can refer to rd.usda.gov.
About the Program
The Single Family Housing Rural Disaster Home Repair Loans and Grant program extends its support to very-low and low-income homeowners whose homes have suffered damage due to Presidentially Declared Disasters occurring between July 18, 2022, and July 18, 2025. To determine your eligibility, you can review the USDA’s list of Presidentially Declared Disasters categorized by state and county.
In times of distress, this program stands as a beacon of hope, offering much-needed assistance to rural communities on their journey to recovery and resilience.
