Rural Development Offers Disaster Help

USDA Rural Development in Champaign announced March 3 that it stands ready to assist homeowners who sustained uninsured losses from the severe ice storms that struck Southern Illinois in January.

President Barack Obama’s disaster declaration made additional funds available through Rural Development’s housing program for low interest loans for repairs and home purchases in Union, Alexander, Gallatin, Hardin, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski and Saline counties.

The funding can be used to help families whose primary residences were damaged or destroyed as the direct result of the flooding.

Residents affected area with damaged homes should first contact their insurance agent and then begin the application process for unmet basic needs by registering with FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

The U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA, offers help for low-interest loans to help individuals and business owners repair or replace damaged property and can be reached at 1-800-462-9029. People with hearing or speech impairment can call FEMA and SBA at 1-800-462-7585.

Rural Development complements aid from other federal agencies by offering long term housing assistance.

It provides loans for home repairs at one percent interest for up to 20 years for those who meet income criteria.

The agency also provides home loans for up to 100 percent of the value of the home with no mortgage insurance premiums.

Low-cost funding is also available for people living outside the area covered by the disaster declaration.

Rural Development is the lead federal agency for rural needs.

It provides financing and technical assistance to foster growth in homeownership, business development, and community and technology infrastructure.

Contact the Rural Development office in Marion at 618-993-5396 extension 4 for more information.

More information on USDA Rural Development funding opportunities is available on the web site at <a href="http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/il">www.rurdev.usda.gov/il</a>.