Leaky Roof? A USDA Home Repair Option

One USDA program has given out over $1 billion in rural home repair grants since its inception, and could be inspiration for similar programs in urban and suburban communities as well.

2 minute read

June 1, 2022, 8:00 AM PDT

By Shelterforce


Betty Lunce is in her 70s and walks with a cane. A homeowner in Hazard, Kentucky, she found it difficult to leave her house. As Scott McReynolds, the executive director of the nonprofit Housing Development Alliance (HDA) explains, the back door led to three uneven, precarious steps with no handrail, and her long gravel driveway was near impassable due to deep ruts that had formed. Even though she no longer drove, the damaged driveway prevented any cars from pulling up to the home unless they had four-wheel drive. She and her family were unsure if an ambulance would be able to reach her home in an emergency. Even more concerning was her roof, which leaked in several spots including the kitchen and could lead to structural issues such as drywall damage or wood rot, and health issues such as the spread of mold.

All of that changed in December 2021, however, when Lunce received a new roof, an entry ramp, and a rebuilt driveway, for a total cost of $12,300, as part of a relatively unknown federal resource known as Section 504, and described as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) home repair loan and grant program for very low-income rural homeowners.

Lunce is one of many Americans living in rural communities who may own a home but have difficulty affording maintenance and repairs. The HDA worked with Lunce to qualify her for aid and link her to financing using Section 504. In addition to the loan and grant provided by the USDA program...

 

Wednesday, May 25, 2022 in Shelterforce Magazine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

2 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

3 hours ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

4 hours ago - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.