Homeowner’s month proclaimed

PRESCOTT – Mayor Terry Oliver signed a proclamation naming it National Home Ownership Month in Prescott Tuesday morning at the Nevada County Library.

Beckie Buck and Amy Smith, both with the US Department of Agriculture, were on hand to let people know funds are available for those who’s homes suffered damage from the ice storm earlier this year.

Jill Floyd, USDA Rural Development State Director, announced grant limits available to homeowners in 13 counties, including Nevada, who’s homes suffered damage from the winter storms between Jan. 30 and Feb. 2, 2023. Pres. Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Arkansas with grants up to $40,675 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated counties that are eligible and comply. Funding is available through Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Home Repair Loan and Grant program.

Applicants for these loans must be the homeowner and occupy the home; be unable to afford credit elsewhere; have a family income below 50 percent of the area median income; and for grants, be 62 or older and unable to repay for a repair loan..

Loans can be applied for at www.rd,usda.gov/ar or by calling the Arkansas Rural Development Disaster hotline at 501-301-3211 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

As part of home ownership month, the USDA is highlighting programs helping people in rural and Tribal areas buy, build and repair affordable homes and to pay their rent in America’s smallest towns and communities.

For more information visit Multifamily Housing Programs/Rural Development (usda.gov).