U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development programs provide loans and grants to generate economic opportunities and create jobs. Projects include infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities; and internet access in rural areas.

Rural Development supports rural homeownership in several ways including loan guarantees for lenders working with low- and moderate income families; direct loans through the 502-direct loan program; and loans to help homeowners repair and improve their homes.

In the USDA Section 523 Mutual Self-Help Housing program, low-income borrowers work together under the guidance of a nonprofit public housing entity (self-help grantee) to build their homes. With a construction supervisor on site, these building groups perform at least 65 percent of the construction work required (known as “sweat equity”) in lieu of a down payment, creating an affordable mortgage.

Learn more here: https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/usda-celebrates-national-homeownership-month-58

Follow the hashtag #nationalhomeownershipmonth for success stories and details about celebrations across the country!