Rural Housing Programs

This service is responsible for providing safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for very-low-income, low-income, and moderate-income rural families. The Rural Housing Program delivers its services through a wide range of housing programs, including programs supporting single-family homeownership, multi-family rental housing, and farm labor housing.

Section 502 Direct Program: Loans for up to 100 percent of the value of the home are made directly to low- and very-low-income persons to purchase a new or existing modest home, using payment assistance subsidy to reduce the homeowners' payments. Some of our government-owned properties are eligible under this program. To see a listing of our current properties, click here. Government-owned Properties For Sale

Section 502 Guaranteed Program: The federal government agrees to guarantee a home loan, thus allowing lending institutions to help buyers while incurring little risk.

Section 504 Loan and Grant Program: Loans are available for very-low-income rural homeowners for repairs. Loans are at 1 percent interest with up to 20 years to repay. Grants are available to owners 62 years of age or older.

Section 515 Multi-family Housing Program: Subsidized loans are provided to housing authorities, individuals, non-profit or limited-profit corporations, and limited partnerships for the construction and subsequent improvement of multi-family housing in rural communities. The housing units can be rented to very-low-income, low-income, and moderate-income persons, including the elderly. To find a location click here.

Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program: The federal government agrees to guarantee loans made through approved lenders to build or acquire apartments for moderate-income tenants.

For more information contact:

Inspection Checklists for SFH Sites, New Construction and Existing Homes

Roni Atkins, Director, Housing Programs
Phone: 208-378-5630
9173 West Barnes, Ste A1
Boise, ID 83709

Please send comments and questions to:
E-Mail: roni.atkins@id.usda.gov