# USDA Awards $28 Million Rural Housing Grants

On October 9, 2026, USDA Rural Development announced it had obligated $28 million in FY2026 Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants, including $7 million redirected from oversight contracts to direct grants. The funding supports qualified organizations that provide technical assistance and oversight for rural self-help housing. USDA separately reported 579 new housing units and rehabilitation of 181 homes, and cited support for 155 new homes through Section 502 Direct Loans. This is a funding and program update, not an open solicitation.

- Qualified organizations that provide rural housing technical assistance or oversight may find future application opportunities through USDA program notices; the announcement itself does not invite proposals.
- The shift of $7 million from oversight contracts to direct grants signals a change in how USDA is channeling support for the program. Organizations serving this market can use the FY2026 allocation and reported housing activity to inform program planning.
- The announcement connects technical assistance grants with Section 502 Direct Loans, making coordination between housing assistance providers and organizations supporting self-help housing relevant.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA Rural Development)
- Rural Housing Service (RHS)
- Section 502 Direct Loan Program

### Key Quotes
> USDA Rural Development delivered more than $28 million in Mutual Self-Help Technical Assistance Grants, supporting the development of 579 new housing units and the rehabilitation of 181 homes.
> — George Kelly, Rural Housing Service Administrator

### Sources
- [USDA Rural Development Announces $28 Million in Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants for Fiscal Year 2026 | Rural Development](https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/usda-rural-development-announces-28-million-mutual-self-help-housing-technical-assistance-grants) - USDA