NEWS RELEASE
3727 Government Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71302
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/la/
Release No.: 07082008-1
Contact: Holly L. Martien, (318) 473-7917
holly.martien@la.usda.gov
ELIGIBILITY FOR DISASTER DESIGNATED NON-RURAL AREAS ENDS SOON
September 30 Deadline for USDA Rural Development Housing Programs
ALEXANDRIA, July 8, 2008— USDA Rural Development offers single family housing
direct and guaranteed loan programs and home repair loan and grant programs to residents of rural
areas with populations of 10,000 or less and, under certain conditions, residents of towns and cities
with populations between 10,000 and 20,000.
As a result of the tremendous need for single family housing in areas impacted by the
hurricanes of 2005, several areas previously ineligible for USDA Rural Development housing
programs—because of population limits—were designated temporarily eligible for USDA Rural
Development housing programs. On September 30, 2008, the temporary eligible areas within the
following locations will expire:
St. Bernard Parish
East Baton Rouge Parish excluding the incorporated area of Baton Rouge
Jefferson Parish excluding the unincorporated areas of the East Bank of the
Mississippi River (Metairie and River Ridge were not eligible)
Sulphur
New Iberia
Houma
Slidell
Prospective homebuyers planning to purchase homes in these areas should contact the nearest
USDA Rural Development office as soon as possible to discuss home financing options: Monroe
Area Office, (318) 343-4467, extension 4; Natchitoches Area Office, (318) 352-7100, extension 4;
Lafayette Area Office, (337) 262-6601, extension 4; and Amite Area Office, (985) 748-8751,
extension 4. Further information on USDA Rural Development’s loan and grant programs may be
obtained by visiting Rural Development’s web site at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
Homebuyer eligibility for USDA Rural Development’s homeownership programs is primarily
based on income, repayment ability, and accept