The USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program provides vital financial assistance to very-low-income homeowners to ensure their living spaces are safe, modern, and accessible. This program is a lifeline for seniors and families in rural areas, helping them stay in their homes by funding essential repairs and health-related safety improvements.
▸What Is USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program?
Also known as the Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants, this program offers low-interest loans and grants to help people fix up their homes. Loans are used to repair, improve, or modernize houses, while grants are specifically designed for elderly homeowners to remove health and safety hazards—such as fixing a failing roof or installing a wheelchair ramp. By providing these funds, the program helps preserve homeownership and keeps rural communities stable.
Who Is This For?
- Homeowners who own and occupy the house they are repairing.
- Individuals or families with a "very-low-income" (defined as being below 50% of the area median income).
- Those living in an eligible rural area (you can verify your address on the USDA website).
- For Loans: Homeowners who are unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere.
- For Grants: Homeowners who are at least 62 years old and lack the financial ability to repay a loan.
How To Access This Resource
- Step 1: Visit the USDA Rural Development website and use the "Property Eligibility" map to confirm your home is in a qualified rural area.
- Step 2: Contact your local Georgia USDA Rural Development office to speak with a home loan specialist about your specific needs.
- Step 3: Complete the application process, which includes providing documentation of homeownership, proof of income, and a list of the specific repairs needed.
- Step 4: Submit your application through your local office or online portal for review.
What It Costs
- Grants: There is no cost to the recipient; however, if the property is sold within three years of receiving the grant, the funds must be repaid.
- Loans: These carry a fixed 1% interest rate with a repayment period of up to 20 years.
- Combined: In some cases, a homeowner may qualify for a combination of a loan and a grant to cover total repair costs.
- There are no application fees for this program.
Key Links & Contact Info
- Official Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants
- USDA Rural Development General Line: (202) 720-4323
- Service Center Locator: https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app
▸Georgia-Specific Information
- Georgia State Office: The main office for Georgia USDA Rural Development is located in Athens at 355 East Hancock Avenue, Athens, GA 30601.
- Contact Phone: You can reach the Georgia state office at (706) 546-2162 to find the specific specialist assigned to Central Georgia and the Macon area.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of This Resource
- Prepare Your Paperwork: Have your property deed, tax returns, and proof of income ready before you call to make the application process much smoother.
- Identify Safety Hazards First: If you are applying for a grant, focus your request on repairs that directly impact health and safety, as these are prioritized.
- Get Contractor Estimates: Obtain at least two written estimates from licensed contractors for the work you need done to ensure your funding request is accurate.
- Check the Map: Even if you aren't sure if your area is "rural," check the USDA eligibility map anyway; many areas on the outskirts of Macon qualify.
▸Why Evangeline Inc. Recommends This
At Evangeline Inc., we believe that a safe, stable home is the foundation for mental and physical well-being. This program aligns perfectly with our mission to uplift the community by helping our neighbors—especially our seniors—maintain their independence and live in dignity without the fear of housing instability.
Questions? Call or text Evangeline Inc. at 833-247-LOVE (5683) or email contact@itsevangeline.org 💙
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