USDA is celebrating National Home Ownership Month

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2024 – As part of National Home Ownership MonthU.S. Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) Tom Vilsack today announced that for 75 years, USDA has been helping millions of people buy, repair and build affordable homes in rural and tribal communities.

“For decades, USDA has served as a safety net for hardworking Americans who dream of owning a home but face challenges doing so,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Now more than ever, people across the country need access to safe, decent and affordable housing, especially in rural and tribal communities. The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to ensuring that all Americans have affordable housing. That’s why USDA is redoubling its efforts to equip potential homebuyers with the resources and information they need to take full advantage of our critical programs when financing becomes available.”

This month, the Department is highlighting the ways that USDA Rural Development programs have historically given people in rural America and tribal areas the opportunity to build wealth and equity, and build a foundation for a better future for themselves and their families :

The Biden-Harris Administration has invested more than $43 billion to help nearly 266,000 families and individuals in rural and tribal communities buy, repair and build homes through Rural Development’s single-family housing programs.

USDA also emphasizes resources to help potential homebuyers prepare to purchase a home and be ready to apply for USDA programs when financing becomes available.

For example, individuals can learn more about homeownership readiness through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Home Lending Toolkit. Individuals can also review the program’s eligibility requirements at USDA’s Self-Assessment Site for Single Family Homes.

USDA Home Ownership Programs

For 75 years, USDA has made financing affordable for families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to get a mortgage. By offering low interest rates, loan guarantees, lower down payments, and construction subsidies, rural development single-family housing programs have become a vital resource for millions of rural Americans.

These programs include:

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to expand economic opportunity, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and poverty areas. Visit the National data gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery subscriber page.

USDA impacts the lives of all Americans in so many positive ways every day. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming the U.S. food system with an increased focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers by using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce building that is more representative of America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov.

To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit GovDelivery subscriber page.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.