Big Idea

• June is National Homeownership Month
• The USDA helps to provide access to affordable housing in rural America
• There are several loan and grant programs available for rural homeownership
• The assistance supports infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, and more
• Read more...

Considering a home in the country?

Phoenix, Ariz., June 1, 2021 – Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack kicked off National Homeownership Month, as part of a nationwide celebration to highlight U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) efforts to provide access to affordable housing for rural Americans.

“Well-built, energy efficient, affordable housing is essential to the vitality of communities in rural America,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, USDA is increasing racial equity and investing in the people of rural America to help them achieve the dream of homeownership.”

Since 1949, USDA has helped 4.7 million families and individuals buy homes nationwide in rural areas. Over the last twenty years, Arizona Rural Development invested $4.5 billion through our housing programs to assist nearly 35,000 individuals and/or families. “Homeownership helps families build wealth, promotes stable communities, and strengthens the economy of rural Arizona,” said USDA Arizona Rural Development Acting State Director Jeff Hays. “Our housing programs and partners contribute to a more sustainable future for hard-working Arizona families.”

USDA Rural Development supports rural homeownership through the Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan Program, the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program,  the Home Repair Loan and Grant Program, and the Mutual Self-Help Housing Grant Program.

To learn more about USDA homeownership programs in Arizona, please visit the Single Family Housing programwebpage or contact your local Arizona Rural Development office. 

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.