USDA Rural Development Offers Low Interest Home Repair Loans

Frank Frassetto, State Director of the USDA Rural Development, reminds Wisconsin’s rural citizens that now is a good time to evaluate the condition of their homes and take action to make needed repairs to avoid potential hazards.

“Did the winter months reveal some hazards or repairs that your house needs to survive another Wisconsin winter? Do you need a new roof or insulation?” Frassetto asks. “Rural Development is able to help with low-interest loans for eligible families to make needed repairs they otherwise could not afford,” he added.

Low interest loans are available now to very low income rural residents who own and occupy a dwelling in need of repair or modernization. This loan carries a one percent interest rate and may be repaid over a 20 year period. Examples of repairs that might be eligible include repair or replacement of storm doors, windows, steps, furnaces, water heaters or roofs. Funds can also be used for insulation, electrical, plumbing, and septic and water systems, and to provide accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Dave Schwobe, Area Director for Northeast Wisconsin, says the time to prepare your home and fix problem areas is during the upcoming warmer months and the funds we have to help are available now.

“I encourage interested parties to contact my office soon to see if they are eligible, and how Rural Development can help,” Schwobe said. Contact Schwobe by calling 715.524.8522, ext. 4 or by email at [email protected].

Further information on programs available through USDA Rural Development can be obtained by visiting any Rural Development office, calling 866.474.3600, or visiting the agency’s Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/wi.