USDA Announces Housing Repair Grant for Local Habitat for Humanity

TEMPLE – U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that USDA is investing $3.7 million to help rural families repair and rehabilitate their homes — and a Smith County agency is getting a chunk of the money. Habitat for Humanity of Smith County will use a $93,392 grant to rehabilitate 30 homes for very low and low income owner-occupied dwellings. The funds are being awarded through the Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program in 46 states and Puerto Rico to support the renovation of 1,147 units. In a news release, Vilsack says many low-income families in rural areas struggle to afford necessary housing upkeep. He says the grants put properties are in compliance with health and safety codes — and help people lower their maintenance costs through energy efficiency and weatherization improvements.