Help available for rural low-income homeowners
USDA Rural Development recently announced that it has loan funds available for very low-income homeowners in rural areas, including Greene County. Loans are available under the section 504 program for general repairs to improve or modernize homes, remove health and safety hazards and increase adaptability for households with persons with disabilities.
Loans may be made for amounts up to $20,000 for a maximum of a 20-year repayment period and at an interest rate of 1 percent annually.
Individuals 62 years or older may qualify for a grant in cases where an individual lacks the financial ability to repay a section 504 loan.
For more information concerning USDA Rural Development Homeowners Loans/-Grants, call the Butler local office at 724-482-4800, extension 100/118. The office represents the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Indiana and Washington.
USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal agency for rural development needs by offering financial and technical assistance to individuals, businesses and communities.
USDA Rural Development programs include funding for day care centers, fire trucks and other community facility projects; the purchase, construction or repair of homes; and loans and guarantees to rural businesses to save or create jobs.
For more information on the programs offered by USDA Rural Development, call the Pennsylvania state office at 717-237-2299 or go online to www.rurdev.usda.gov/pa.