The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking applications for grants to preserve and repair housing for very-low- and low-income families living in rural areas.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a released says the agency "provides grants to qualified organizations so they can help rural homeowners and rental housing owners make repairs and improvements." He adds "the grants can be used for a variety of needs, such as repairs to resolve health or safety issues or for energy-efficiency improvements to reduce utility costs."

The funds are being made available in USDA Rural Development's Housing Preservation Grant program. Eligible applicants include town or county governments, public agencies, federally recognized Indian Tribes, and non-profit and faith-based organizations. USDA does not provide funding directly to homeowners under this program.

Up to $3.9 million is available in Fiscal Year 2014. Applications are due July 28, 2014.

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