Applications sought for Housing Preservation Grants

MAT-SU — Rural Development Alaska is accepting applications for grants to help low and very low income rural residents repair their homes.

“These funds help limited-income rural homeowners improve their living conditions,” said director Jim Nordlund. “The costs associated with maintaining a home are a challenge for many rural Alaskan homeowners and the funding we are announcing will be used by awardees to help low and very low-income residents in rural areas maintain and repair their homes.”

Housing Preservation Grants do not provide grant funding directly to homeowners.

The grants are provided to intermediaries such as town or borough governments, public agencies, federally recognized Alaska Native tribes and nonprofit and faith-based organizations. These organizations then distribute the grants to qualified homeowners, or owners of multi-family rental properties, or cooperative dwellings, who rent to low and very low-income residents.

The grants can be used to weatherize and repair existing structures, install or improve plumbing or provide access to people with disabilities. USDA may award up to $9.8 million nationwide in competitive grants through the Housing Preservation Grant program. Applications are due by Aug. 22.

For more information about application details, view the Notice of Funds Availability published in the July 7, Federal Register at: rurdev.usda.gov/rd_nofas.html.

For information on who to contact about Housing Preservation Grants in Alaska, visit rurdev.usda.gov/ak/housing.htm.