To provide funds to eligible applicants to operate a program which finances repair and rehabilitation activities to individual housing, or rental properties for very low- and low-income persons in rural communities.

Must be an organization authorized to administer HPG funds.

• A State, commonwealth, trust territory, other political subdivision, or public nonprofit

• A private nonprofit corporation that is owned and controlled by private persons or interest

• A consortium of units of government and/or private nonprofit organizations which is

Dates governing the invitation and review of HPG preapplications will be published in the Federal Register. Applicants generally have 90 days from publication to file a preapplication.

The Project Selection Criteria form is used to determine eligibility and priority points. Priority points are assigned for the following criteria: percentage of very-low persons proposed to be assisted, population, percentage of funds which will be used for administrative purposes, component for alleviating overcrowding, leveraged funds, and administrative capacity to carry out the objectives of the grant.

The objectives of the grant shall normally be accomplished between 1 to 2 years.

• Installation and/or repair of sanitary water and waste disposal systems.

• Energy conservation measures such as insulation and combination screen/storm windows and doors.

• Repair or replacement of the heating system.

• Electrical wiring.

• Repair of, or provision for, structural supports and foundations.

• Repair or replacement of the roof.

• Replacement of severely deteriorated siding, porches, or stoops.

• Alterations of the unit's interior or exterior to provide greater accessibility for any handicapped person.

• Additions to any dwelling only when it is clearly necessary when it is clearly necessary to alleviate overcrowding or to remove health hazards to the occupants.

• Repairs to manufactured housing provided the recipient owns the home and the site and has occupied that home on that site for at least 1 year prior to receiving assistance and the manufactured housing is on a permanent foundation or will be put on a permanent foundation with HPG funds.

• Up to 20% of the HPG funds may be used for administrative purposes (salaries, office supplies, utilities, telephone services and equipment, audit, workers' compensation, etc.).

The Grantee is required to submit a Financial Status Report and a performance report quarterly which should relate to the activities accomplished during the report period. Rural Development will be responsible for reviewing the quarterly reports and final reports to determine if the grantee is complying with the Grant Agreement, Statement of Activities and the budget, and that the HPG project activity is completed and approved.

At the close of the grant, the Grantee will be required to provide a final audit.