The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is part of the United States Department of Agriculture. It offers a wide variety of programs for rural residents. The programs provide options to own homes, rehabilitate old homes, preserve the rural area and assist tenants with rent in housing complexes that are funded by the RHS. The Rural Housing Service also helps to build up the community with libraries, child care centers, schools and emergency equipment. The programs are funded by direct loans and grants that are serviced by members of the USDA or via loan guarantees that are made to banks and private lenders. The Rural Housing Service works closely with other federal agencies in both the nonprofit and private sectors to combine resources and help as many rural residents as they can. Rural Housing Services are available to applicants who live in rural areas although the Farm Labor Housing Program is available in urban areas as well. The main office for the RHS is located in Washington, D.C.
