Faith-Based & Community Initiatives Programs

The Self-Help Housing Program provides low- and very-low-income families with an excellent opportunity to become proud homeowners, contributing to family stability and creating stronger rural economies.

Because the families work together to build each other's homes, usually in groups of 5 to 12 families, they develop a sense of community that fosters long-lasting ties.  The families also provide at least 65 percent of the labor involved in building the homes.

Farm Labor Housing - The Farm Labor Housing Loan and Grant program provides capital financing for the development of housing for domestic farm laborers.  It is the only nationwide program designed to provide housing for farm laborers.

Loans are made to farmers, associations of farmers, family farm corporations, tribal governments, non-profit organizations, public agencies, and associations of farm workers.

Grants are made to farm worker associations, nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, and public agencies.

Funds may be used in urban areas for nearby farm labor.  Farm Labor Housing loans and grants are provided to buy, build, improve, or repair housing and related facilities for farm laborers, including persons whose income is earned in aquaculture and those engaged in on-farm processing.

Funds can be used to purchase a site or a leasehold interest in a site; to construct housing and related day care facilities or community rooms; to pay fees to purchase durable household furnishings; and to pay construction loan interest.

Loans and loan guarantees are available to public entities such as municipalities, counties, and special-purpose districts, as well as to nonprofit corporations and tribal governments.