Rural Development

Record last updated 2022/07/05 Comment on this info .Update this info

Contact Information

US Department of Agriculture
Contact: Scott Soares, State Director for CT, MA, and RI
Email Address: George.Krivda@ma.usda.gov
Phone: 413-253-4300
Fax: 413-586-8648

451 West Street Amherst, MA 01002
Area Served: West

Map Location Rural Development

Narrative

Short Description of Program:  USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America through low interest rate loans and grants.  Rural areas include open country and places with population of 10,000 or less and, under certain conditions, towns and cities between 10,000 and 25,000 populations. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 4:30;

Single Family Housing: Rural Development provides housing loans in rural areas to eligible low- and very low-income applicants. The loan may be to purchase existing housing, purchase and repair existing housing, purchase a building site and construct a dwelling, or purchase new housing. Applicants must have stale income, a good credit history and the ability to repay the loan. Fees include a credit report fee of $32.00, Tax Service Fee $99 and Appraisal Fee of $425. Grants up to $7500 are available to very-low income applicants aged 62 or older who cannot repay a loan to make repairs and improvements necessary to make the dwelling safe and sanitary.

Multi-Family Housing:  Rural Rental Housing Loans are direct, competitive mortgage loans made to provide affordable multifamily rental housing for very low-, low-, and moderate-income families; the elderly; and persons with disabilities. Those living in substandard housing are given first priority for tenancy. When rental assistance is used top priority is given to very low-income households.

Community Facility: The Community Facilities loan and grant programs are designed to assist in the development of essential community facilities in rural areas to purchase, construct and / or improve facilities, purchase major equipment and pay related expenses for such projects as health care (clinics/ hospitals), public service, community support services, transportation, educational, and public safety.                                         

Service Types

  • Congregate Housing
  • Cooperative Apartments
  • Financial Assistance

Program Type

  • Housing

Populations Served

  • All Disabilities

Ages Served

  • 14 - 18
  • 19 - 22
  • 23 – 59
  • 60 +

Languages Spoken

  • Korean
  • Spanish

Accessibility Features

  • Accessible Parking
  • Accessible Restrooms
  • Elevators
  • Near Public Transportation
  • Wheelchair Ramps

Additional Information

  • Fees: Personal Funds