Affordable housing often is a debate heard amid gentrifying neighborhoods or high-cost cities, notes the Atlantic. “But cities aren’t the only places that are lacking when it comes to adequate housing at affordable prices. In rural America, it’s both prices and the terrible condition of existing homes that are problematic…the fact of the matter is, despite lower costs of living, income for many in rural areas is also significantly lower thanks to limited economic opportunities and struggling industries, like coal.”
The National Low-Income Housing Coalition says much of the affordable housing in rural areas is old and needs repair. With a high poverty rate than urban areas, it is harder for rural Americans to afford the upkeep. “When it comes to creating new homes, interest is often thin and those that do opt in face many unique obstacles,” says the Atlantic. Federal aid “is somewhat sparse too, for both building and rehabilitating properties.” Funding for USDA’s Section 502 direct loan program have been cut in recent years. “That may be why many rural communities are taking the task of rural revitalization into their own hands with the help of rural-focused nonprofits that help provide everything from advocacy to actual loans,” says the story.