(Stevens Point, Wis., March 19, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson today announced that the agency is providing Housing Preservation Grant funding to the Greater Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity and Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity, Inc. to help low- to very low-income homeowners in 11 counties with essential health and safety updates to their homes.
“Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA Rural Development is committed to ensuring safe, affordable housing for rural Wisconsinites,” said Iverson. “Every Wisconsinite deserves a safe place to call home. This investment makes it more affordable for families, seniors and individuals with disabilities to remain in their homes with the accessibility and security that is needed so they can live independently.”
The Housing Preservation Grant program provides grants to organizations for the repair or rehabilitation of housing owned or occupied by low and very low-income rural residents. The program is open to most state and local government organizations, non-profit organizations, and federally recognized tribes.
The Greater Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity will use $110,613 in Housing Preservation Grant funds to assist 14 eligible very low-income homeowners in three counties. The counties are Calumet, Outagamie and Waupaca counties.
Wild Rivers Habitat for Humanity Inc. will use $110,000 in Housing Preservation Grant funds to assist 25 eligible low- and very low-income homeowners in eight counties. The counties are Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Polk, Price, Rusk, and Washburn counties.
Housing Preservation Grants can assist low-income homeowners make essential health and safety updates to their homes that can include:
- Insulation and combination storm windows and doors
- Repair or replacement of the roof
- Replacement of severely deteriorated siding, porches or stoops
- Installation or extension of plumbing, mechanical or electrical systems of existing units
- Alterations of the unit interior or exterior to provide greater accessibility for any handicapped family member
- Other components described as eligible assistance activities in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1944.664
USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity, and transportation infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/wi.
