The U.S. Agriculture Department is accepting applications for grants to help low- and very-low-income rural residents repair their homes.

Housing preservation grants are provided to town or county governments, public agencies, federally recognized tribes, and non-profit and faith-based organizations. The grants are distributed to homeowners or owners of multi-family rental properties or cooperative dwellings who rent to low- and very-low-income people.

Grants can be used to weatherize and repair existing structures, install or improve plumbing or provide access to people with disabilities. Improvements can include insulation, weather stripping, seals around doors and windows, energy-saving shower heads and efficient light bulbs.

USDA may award a total of $10 million in competitive grants. The grants to be awarded are part of USDA Rural Development’s annual budget and are not funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Applications are due by the close of business July 10. Applications may be accessed electronically at www.grants.gov.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure.

Visit www.rurdev.usda.gov.