Congressman Rubén Hinojosa Announces $100,000 Grant For Refugio County For Rural Housing Repairs And Improvements

Washington, D.C. – October 6, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Congressman Rubén Hinojosa announced a $100,000 grant was awarded to Refugio County by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Rural Development Housing Preservation Grants Program to repair and improve rural homes for low and very-low-income residents. The funds will be used to make qualifying rural homes in Refugio County safe, sanitary and energy-efficient.

“The funding will be used to help so many of our senior citizens who are in need of safe housing in our rural community of Refugio County”, said Rep. Hinojosa. “I know Refugio County housing officials are already preparing to upgrade and renovate many homes in their area and the improvements will be long lasting”.

The grant funding will be distributed to low and very-low-income Senior homeowners. The grants may be used to make general repairs such as installing or improving plumbing or providing or enhancing access to people with disabilities. Funds can also be used to weatherize and make homes more energy-efficient.

“We are very excited about being awarded this grant because it is going to help so many of our elderly residents who need repairs to their homes”, said Executive Director for Refugio County Development Foundation, Lenny Anzaldua. “This is the first time we’ve applied for this grant and we got it. This shows the true meaning of what President Obama set out to do and that is helping out people who are need and stimulating our economy at the same time by using local labor and local businesses for supplies”.

Anzaldua says 35 homes will be repaired during this one year project. The homes must also meet other requirements, specified by the grant, for repairs. The deadline for the initial set of applicants is October 22, 2010.

USDA Rural Development’s Housing Preservations Grants are often combined with state and local funds.

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