USDA has programs to help lower income families with home ownership or repair

USDA Rural Development has funds available for housing programs to help lower income people become homeowners or to make home repairs.

Rural Developments direct housing program offers 100 percent financing to qualified applicants to become homeowners. Its home repair program offers a one percent interest loans for a maximum of $20,000 for up to 20 years based on a household's repayment ability.

Learn more about the housing programs and specific qualifications by calling the Alexandria office at (320) 763-3161, ext. 4, or email allan.cowles@mn.usda.gov. If you're in Becker or Clay County, contact the Detroit Lakes office at (218) 847-9392.

Information is also online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/mn.