Federal Homelessness Resource Guide

Information by State  Print version

Department of Agriculture (USDA)

USDA Rural Development Housing Programs

Here's What We Provide

USDA Rural Development Housing Programs provide very low to moderate income families in rural communities (population 10,000 or less) with decent, safe, and affordable housing through the Multi-family Housing and Single Family Housing programs. There is no program specifically designed to address homelessness. However, to help tackle this issue the following program is available as an option:

• Rental Assistance (RA)

RA is a supplement to the basic rent that a USDA Rural Development financed property charges it tenants. These tenants must be low or very low income and the availability of assistance will vary with each property. RA is assigned to the property and does not transfer with the tenant.

Here’s Who To Contact

USDA Rural Development has numerous local offices in the five-state region. Find the nearest office. Please note that the local offices service different counties, so you will need to input your particular county to find the correct office.

Texas has 30 local offices. Please contact the local office serving your area for property contact information. The Housing Programs Director for Texas is Michael Meehan, and he can be contacted at 254-742-9770.

USDA Food & Nutrition Service (FNS) Programs

Here’s What We Provide:

Alleviating Hunger In Your Community
USDA Food and Nutrition Service Programs provide food and nutrition assistance in partnership with cooperating agencies and organizations. FNS provides children and needy families with better access to food and a more healthful diet through its programs and nutrition education efforts and supports America's agriculture by providing an outlet for the distribution of food purchased under farmer assistance authorities.

Municipalities, and faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs) may apply to participate in Federal nutrition programs and provide benefits directly to individuals, or may serve as informational resources by referring these individuals to other organizations and agencies that participate in the programs.

* Do you run a summer program for low-income children that provides meals?

* Do you run a licensed child or adult day care facility or homeless shelter?

* Does your organization distribute food to low-income families & individuals?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has programs for you!

FNS Programs

Here’s Who To Contact

A low-income household with multiple needs often may qualify for more than one of the Federal nutrition assistance programs. Visit our website for more information on the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and its programs:

	General program information
	Opportunities for Faith-based and Community Organizations
	Contact information around the country

If you are in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma or Texas, you can also contact the Southwest Regional Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Coordinator, Rebecca Lucero, at (214) 290-9800.