MONTPELIER — Every Spring homeowners are faced with what can be daunting home repairs. Now, the USDA Rural Development aims to help rural, low-income homeowners repair or improve their homes this spring through the Single Family Housing Repair Program. The program offers loans that can be repaid over 20 years with a fixed one percent interest rate for home improvement projects that repair existing damages, remove health or safety hazards, or make energy efficiency investments. Very low-income seniors aging in place can seek a $7,500 grant to help remove health and safety hazards and increase the accessibility of their homes.
In 2016, more than 100 Vermont families improved their homes with the support of a USDA Home Repair loan or grant. Past projects include fixing broken wells, repairing roofs, and increasing home accessibility through installing a ramp or bathroom modifications. USDA hopes to increase the number of homeowners served by this program across the state.
Interested applicants should contact the USDA Housing Specialist closest to them. Specialists include: Megan Roush (Central Vermont) 802-828-6006 and Rita Weisburgh (Northwestern Vermont) 802-828-6003.