The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new pilot program in 23 states, American Samoa and Puerto Rico to make it easier for rural homeowners to repair and rehabilitate their homes. Now applicants for USDA's Single Family Housing Home Repair Loans and Grants in these states/territories may use program funding to pay contractors or suppliers for construction materials prior to delivery. 

This and other changes to remove regulatory barriers will enable homeowners, including people in areas affected by Presidentially Declared Disasters and those living in Rural Partners Network communities, to access the funding they need more quickly so they can rebuild or repair their homes faster.