Washington DC
– U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced the Communities in
Action nonprofit has earned a $168,570 federal rural development grant to help
low-income homeowners in Harney and Malheur counties make home repairs critical
to health and safety.
“Keeping up with
essential home repairs can pose a significant challenge for low-income
Oregonians, and this federal investment in Eastern Oregon will help ensure rural
families can be safe in their homes,” Wyden said. “Helping Oregonians to stay in their homes
stands out as a proven means of fighting poverty, and I’ll keep battling for
similar quality-of-life investments statewide.”“Ensuring our homes
are in good repair is important for keeping Oregon families safe and healthy,
while also helping to save on energy costs,” said Merkley.? “I am happy to see this grant headed to
Community in Action to provide crucial assistance to low income households in
Harney and Malheur Counties for critical home improvements.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development
investment of $168,570 will provide 18 low-income homeowners in rural Harney
and Malheur counties with grants that assist with the repair or replacement of
roofs, structural supports and foundations, porches, and interior or exterior
home alternations that provide greater accessibility.
“Communities in
Action is thrilled to have these USDA funds to invest in rural
communities. These funds help to cut down on energy burden and allow for
updates and needed repairs such as a new roof, retrofitting bathrooms for ADA
accessibility, adding ADA handrails, and many other needs for low-income
customers,” said Community in Action Executive Director Barb Higinbotham. “This grant is designed to help low-income
customers stay in their homes for a longer period of time and while improving
the housing stock in rural Oregon. Customers are so thankful that there
is an option for them to make these upgrades and Communities in Action is proud
to invest these funds into our communities.”
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