USDA provides $300,000 in Housing Preservation Grants in the Northeast Kingdom

David Robinson, Acting State Director for USDA Rural Development announces that three non-profits in the Northeast Kingdom each received $100,000 in grant funds. They are Gilman Housing Trust, Inc, d/b/a Rural Edge, Northeast Employment and Training Organization and Vermont Center for Independent Living.
The Northeast Kingdom (Essex, Orleans and Caledonia Counties) region is a USDA designated Rural Economic Area Partnership (REAP) Zone and this project has been approved by the Northeast Kingdom Collaborative ‘ the governing body which provides oversight to the Rural Economic Action Plan. ‘This is very exciting for our REAP Zone and our Housing Preservation Grant program. These funds help to assists existing programs to take care of the serious issues in these homes in this area. This is one of many great partnering accomplishments for USDA and all of the other funders in Vermont.’ said David Robinson.
The Housing Preservation Grant is structured to help assist households with repair/rehab, weatherization, health & safety issues, accessibility, and more to single family dwellings. Vermont Center for Independent Living has received funds twice for this area. This year they plan on assisting 17 very low households.
Northeast Employment and Training, Inc. has been with this program since 2006. They have had a very strong weatherization program that this grant has helped keep going strong. They are assisting 30 very low households.
Gilman Housing Trust, Inc. d/b/a Rural Edge has been USDA’s longest partner in this program and the grant money has worked very well with their revolving loan fund program as well as the success they have receiving funds from other funders. They will be assisting 15 very low income households in this area. Joe Allard, Rehab Specialist, RuralEdge, stated, ‘One recipient, Julie Perry of Newport contacted us and asked for assistance in getting a new water heater and an accessible ramp. Once the Initial Site Visit was completed, we found that the bathroom was not accessible and that changes needed to be made here for the owner to safely use the bathroom. The fuel oil tank was also badly rusted and appeared to seep out some oil around the fittings. We have pooled together funding from our HPG program, Vermont Center for Independent Living’s HAP program, and two small grants from NEKCA and the State of Vermont ANR’s fuel tank replacement program. She now has a new fuel tank, a new water heater, and a completely modified bathroom. There are other items that are being addressed on this home today.’
"The population Gilman Housing Trust, Inc., d/b/a RuralEdge serves is extremely stressed. Cultural resistance to accepting assistance often leads to clients approaching us only when conditions become unlivable. Additionally, as the poorest region in a rural state, our clients are often at 30% median income or well below. Without the program's ability to grant HPG funds, most of these applicants would either have to leave their home - with few or no options - or attempt to persist in very difficult circumstances. It is no overstatement to say that HPG funds are saving lives in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont." George Mathias, Chief Operating Officer, RuralEdge.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way ‘ strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.
USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as the Department implements sequestration ‘ the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act.
USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.
USDA Rural Development 8.15.2013