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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Housing and homelessness

Apr 20, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) changes related to insurance requirements under the Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Direct Loan and Grant programs. This final rule will align USDA Rural Development insurance coverage types, amounts, and deductibles with affordable housing industry standards to simplify the coverage amounts and deductible limits, and improve customer experience with updated and understandable insurance requirements. This rule is effective May 20, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 13, 2026 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) amending its regulations to implement changes related to income calculation and net family assets for properties that receive funding from the Multi-Family Housing (MFH) Section 515 Rural Rental Housing and the Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing Direct Loan and Grant programs. This rule is effective April 13, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 9, 2026 - New proposed legislation in Missouri would stabilize the housing market by building affordable tiny homes with focus on workers in the tourism service industry who have fluctuating incomes. Notes that the housing shortage is worse in rural areas.
Source: KTTN
Mar 31, 2026 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) proposing changes to the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) regulation to allow the RHS to finance a single-family home with one or more income-producing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). Comments are due by June 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 27, 2026 - Highlights the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026, bipartisan reauthorizing legislation addressing access to safe, affordable housing for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.
Source: United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
Mar 26, 2026 - Highlights housing policies from rural Maine, North Dakota, Washington, and Oregon that make their communities more affordable and livable, including for older adults and residents with disabilities.
Source: AARP
Mar 17, 2026 - Describes Auburn Rural Studio, an architecture program based in rural Alabama. Describes the student-driven community development work over 30 years and the local benefits such as affordable housing. Notes that the program considers not just housing but also community resources such as reliable wastewater systems and public spaces.
Mar 5, 2026 - Highlights the work of rural Southeastern Vermont organizations and initiatives to support aging in place for older adults. Discusses meeting the transportation, social connection, housing, and other needs of area older adults.
Source: Generations Now