Home repair loans and grants available through USDA Rural Development

ALEXANDRIA - With colder weather upon us, USDA Rural Development is gearing up to help local homeowners finance home improvements through low interest home improvement loans and grants. Grants and low interest loans are now available through USDA Rural Development for very low income families.

Very low income families have a calculated adjusted annual income below 60 percent of the county median. Each county varies slightly with median income levels for qualification and certain household expenses may be considered to qualify. Please contact Rural Development for details and pre-qualification calculations.

Grant funding is available for those 62 years or older and can only be used to remove health or safety hazards or remodel dwellings to make them accessible to household members with disabilities. The maximum grant is $7,500.

Loan funds can be used for making basic repairs, installing essential features or to remove health and safety hazards. Replacing a furnace, windows, siding or updates that increase the energy efficiency of a home may qualify for this program. The maximum loan amount is $20,000 at a one percent interest rate for up to 20 years. Applicants for both loans and grants must live in a town with a population under 20,000. Loan applicants must have an acceptable credit history, show repayment ability and be unable to qualify for a conventional loan.

The Alexandria USDA Rural Development Office serves the following counties: Douglas, Pope, Grant, Stevens, Todd, Wadena, Traverse, Wilkin, and Otter Tail. Area specialist Allan Cowles may be reached at (320) 763-3191 ext. 4 or allan.cowles@mn.usda.gov

More information is also available on the web at www.rurdev.usda.gov/mn. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.