- Meleah Smith
- Housing Program Director
- USDA Rural Development
- 2118 West Park Court, Suite A,
- Champaign, IL 61821
- Phone: 217-403-6229
- Fax: 855-832-8691
- Email: Meleah.smith@usda.gov
- Website Link:
Purpose of the Program
USDA Rural Development makes loans and grants to provide rural residents with decent, safe and sanitary housing. It provides a number of homeownership opportunities to rural Americans, as well as programs for home renovation and repair. USDA also makes financing available to elderly, disabled, or low-income rural residents of multi-unit buildings to ensure they are able to make rent payments.
Who is Eligible
Housing in this program is modest in size, design, and cost, but meets Government-observed development standards in rural communities (non-metro, typically less than 20,000 pop.). See www.rurdev.usda.gov/il for further information.
Application Process
Applications available year-round.
Availability of Funds
Varies based upon congressional appropriation.
How Funds Can Be Used
Funds must be used to purchase, repair, or construct owner-occupied residences.
Types of Assistance
Loans, Technical Assistance, Grants, and Other assistance.