New Census Report on 2015 Poverty and Income Highlights the Urban/Rural Divide
Today, the US Census Bureau released their annual report on poverty and income. Economists predicted an increase of 1 to 2 percent in incomes in 2015, but the report showed a surprising 5.2 percent increase. A closer look at the data reveals a stark contrast between the economy in urban and rural communities. Urban Areas on the […]
Achieving the American Dream through Programs that Work
Alton and Robin Alexander lived in Western Michigan with their two daughters in a comfortable, modest and safe neighborhood prior to the Great Recession. However, as the nation’s economy struggled, this family of four lost their home and was forced to move into a substandard rental unit. The Alexanders’ story is not unique. Homeownership is […]
Fahe Partners with USDA and WV Housing Development Fund to Help Low-income Families Access Affordable Housing
The Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises, Fahe, is one of several nonprofit organizations that participated in USDA’s loan packaging pilot program, which became permanent in May 2016. They are working to further expand the reach and scope of the Section 502 Direct loan program to assist low-income rural families in achieving homeownership. To achieve this […]
Spotlight on the FY 2017 House and Senate Agriculture Appropriations Bills
This is a moment in time when avoiding disaster with Congress or the Administration is viewed as a success, and seeking even the most modest improvements in policy or resources seems out of the question and hopelessly optimistic. In light of these conditions, for those interested in improving housing and communities in rural America, the […]
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Spotlight on Migrant Farmworker Housing
A recent article published by the Statesman highlights the devastating housing conditions many migrant farmworkers are facing across America, and particularly in Texas. The article, aptly titled “Unbelievable” by Jeremy Schawrtz, explains how, in spite of existing laws that require housing facilities for migrant farmworkers to be inspected and licensed to ensure minimal health and […]
Under Secretary Mensah Meets with Central Valley Family Using USDA Funds for New Water Well
While in California last week, U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Lisa Mensah toured a self-help housing tract that Self-Help Enterprises is developing in Merced County and visited with a family that is a recipient of USDA funds. Representative Jim Costa (D-CA) was also on the tour. Under Secretary Mensah and Congressman Costa met with […]
Spotlight on the Intermediary Relending Program
The Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) was first enacted in the 1980s and has had remarkable success in strengthening rural communities through investment in local projects. Because loan capital is revolved several times over the course of an IRP loan to an intermediary, USDA estimates that every $100,000 in IRP loan funds leads to the creation […]
2016 Omnibus Bill Includes Record Funding For Rural Housing Programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Bob Rapoza National Rural Housing Coalition Phone: (202) 393-5225 2016 Omnibus Bill Includes Record Funding for Rural Housing Programs WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2015 – Yesterday, Congress released the omnibus appropriations bill for fiscal year (FY) 2016. This bill funds several programs, including the Mutual Self-Help Housing Program, Section 521 Rural Rental Assistance, and […]
Do Presidential Hopefuls Have a Plan for Rural America?
The presidential hopefuls are well underway in their respective campaigns, with a combined total of six debates over the past few month. While many candidates are focused on how they can make America stronger, there has yet to be any major discussion on what their plans are for rural America. Read more in Bob Rapoza’s […]