Jacksonville, IL, Jun 24, 2011 -- Contact: Kim Allen (217) 243-1535 x 4

Affordable Home Repair Loans Available for Storm Victims

Jacksonville, Illinois, June 24, 2011—Help is available for homeowners who have suffered damages due to the recent severe weather and have limited resources with which to make repairs. USDA Rural Development can make one-percent home repair loans to eligible homeowners with modest incomes.

Funds can be used for a wide range of repairs, including plumbing, electrical, flooring, and foundation problems. Funding can also be used for repairs or replacement of damaged heating and air conditioning systems, roofs, windows and siding.

The loan limit for an individual applicant is $20,000. Loans have a one percent interest rate and can be repaid over a period of up to 20 years. The program allows the homeowner to make multiple repairs and keep payments affordable. For example, a loan of $5,000 over 20 years would cost the homeowner about $23.00 a month.

Eligibility is determined by the size and income of the household. Homeowners with very-low income, based on incomes in the county where they live, can apply. For example, a two member household in Morgan Co. with an adjusted gross income of $23,350 would be eligible. A family of four with household income of $29,150 would also be eligible. Applicants must own and occupy the home, be able to repay the loan and have an acceptable credit history.

Grants may be available to homeowners 62 or older with very low income and without the ability to repay a loan. Grant funds are limited but may be used to remove health and safety hazards or make the home accessible. Applicants have a life-time grant limit of $7,500. These grants are often combined with loans to increase the amount available for repairs.

A quick call to the Rural Development office in Jacksonville can answer any questions about the agency’s repair loan program. They can be reached at 243-1535, ext 4. More information on Rural Development housing program is also available online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/HSF_SFH.html

Rural Development provides financing and technical assistance to foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

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