Trump Administration highlights affordable pathways to homeownership in rural America.
(Champaign, Ill., June 3, 2026) – This week, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega kicked off National Homeownership Month by highlighting Rural Development’s commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and helping more Americans, especially first-time homebuyers, achieve the dream of homeownership.
“The Trump Administration and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins are focused on growing first time homeownership, making home borrowing more accessible by cutting barriers, helping families build equity and long-term financial security,” said USDA Rural Development Acting Under Secretary Todd Lindsey. “USDA Rural Development is playing a key role by delivering real solutions for rural communities across the country.”
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“Under President Trump’s and Secretary Rollins’ leadership, the U.S. Department of Agriculture fulfills the American Dream of homeownership for families, and a rural revival for communities,” said Ortega. “USDA Rural Development celebrates Homeownership Month throughout June, with homeownership programs, partnerships, innovations, and initiatives.”
USDA Rural Development’s Single-Family Housing programs are designed to support first-time homebuyers, working families, and those looking to invest in their communities. These programs include:
- The Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program enables USDA to partner with private lending institutions, backing their loans to help families and individuals buy homes in rural areas.
- The Home Repair Loan and Grant Program provides loans and grants to help families and individuals repair their homes to make them safer, healthier places to live.
- The Mutual Self-Help Housing Grant Program provides grants to qualified organizations to help them carry out local self-help housing construction projects.
- The Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan Program provides loans directly to families and individuals so they can buy or build homes in rural America.
USDA is also working closely with lenders, builders, and community partners to streamline processes, reduce regulatory burdens, and expand awareness of available programs.
Rural Development programs support not only housing, but also the broader economic foundation of rural America by investing in infrastructure, community facilities, and local economies to ensure rural communities remain strong, self-sufficient, and positioned for long-term growth.
To learn more about USDA Rural Development housing programs, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-direct-home-loans-34 or contact sfhapplication@usda.gov.
For more information on Rural Development projects and programs for Illinois, contact RD.IL.General.Inquiries@usda.gov.
For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making investment data accessible to the public.
