NORWICH – The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD) will hold a workshop for Chenango County residents interested in buying or repairing their home.

The no-cost workshop will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 in the second floor conference room at the Norwich Fire Department. This event serves an opportunity for potential homebuyers to learn more about low interest federal loans that are available, and current homeowners to learn about repair programs for home improvements.

According to USDA Program Director Jennifer Jackson, the workshop is geared toward low and medium income level individuals to purchase or build safe, affordable housing.

“Most people generally don’t realize that the USDA Department of Rural Development does play a major role in home ownership and repair assistance throughout the entire country,” said Jackson, citing income and location requirements for eligibility. “All of Chenango County is considered a rural area, so anyone who wants to purchase a house within Norwich or in Chenango County already meets location criteria of a loan.”