NEWS RELEASE Kentucky
United States Department of Agriculture ● Rural Development World Wide Web: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ky
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Steve Lind—Rural Development Manager
859/744-5561
HOME REPAIRS AVAILABLE
Lexington—January 5, 2006—USDA Rural Development State Director Kenneth Slone announces the availability of housing repair loans to very-low income applicants. According to Slone, qualified very-low income rural residents can obtain home repair loans of up to $20,000. The loans can be used to modernize the home or to remove health or safety hazards. The interest rate is 1 percent, with terms up to 20 years. “The home repair program is intended to help rural homeowners who lack the resources to make the repairs themselves and cannot obtain assistance from other sources,” said Slone. Grant funds can be used by rural residents who are at least 62 years old and cannot show repayment ability for a repair loan. These funds are limited and can only be used to remove health hazards. In all cases, the applicant must meet requirements of the program, including income limits, which vary according to family size and county of residence. Homes must be located in eligible rural areas. Other purposes of the loans include installation or repair of sanitary water and waste disposal units, insulation, storm doors and windows, replacement of siding, and accessibility repairs for the disabled. Loans may not be used in the construction of new dwellings, to relocate a mobile home or for off-site improvements. The USDA Rural Development Local Office in Winchester serves the following counties: Clark, Fayette, Bourbon, Montgomery, and Powell. The telephone number for the Winchester Office is 859/744-5561. They are located at 30 Taylor Avenue in Winchester.
USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider, and Employer. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410