Chamber to Host Lunch & Learn on USDA Home Programs

Join the La Grange Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. for a Lunch & Learn hosted by the chamber in partnership with the Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Extension Program at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 W. Fairgrounds Road, La Grange. This program is free for chamber members and non-members. Register online at the chamber website, lagrangetx.org.

Dr. Shanta Harrison, Extension Program Specialist for Housing at PVAMU, will walk attendees through two USDA programs that can open the door to affordable homeownership — and help current homeowners keep their homes safe:

• USDA Section 502 Single Family Housing Direct Loan — helps low- and moderate- income households buy, build, or refinance a home in eligible rural areas, often with no down payment required.

• USDA Section 504 Home Repair Loan & Grant — helps existing low-income homeowners repair, modernize, or remove health and safety hazards from their homes. Grants (which don’t have to be repaid) are available to homeowners age 62 and older.

Dr. Harrison’s team will also provide on-site application assistance, so attendees can get started the same day.

Dr. Shanta Harrison is the Extension Program Specialist for Housing in the Community Economic Unit of Prairie View A&M University, part of the Texas A&M University System. A community and economic development professional with more than 25 years of experience in local, state, and federal government.