December 20, 2022

Wyden, Merkley: Eastern Oregon Receives $168,570 Home Repairs Grant

USDA rural development grant to Communities in Action nonprofit will help low-income homeowners in Harney & Malheur counties

Washington, D.C. – 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.”