Rural Housing Service Coordinator Grant Program

Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 515 the following: 515A. Rural Housing Service Coordinator Grant Program (a) In general The Secretary, acting through the Rural Housing Service, shall establish and administer a competitive grant program to award grants to eligible applicants to employ or retain 1 or more service coordinators to assist residents residing in properties assisted under Section 515 in accessing supportive services that promote housing stability, health, and aging in place. (b) Responsibilities Service coordinators funded under this section shall— (1) consult with project owners, tenants, service providers, and others to assess resident needs; (2) coordinate or manage the provision of supportive services; (3) facilitate tenant education and access to programs that improve resident well-being; (4) meet minimum training and experience requirements as set by the Secretary; and (5) carry out other functions as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (c) Eligible uses of grant funds Amounts provided under this section may be used to cover— (1) salaries and fringe benefits for service coordinators; (2) training and continuing education for service coordinators; and (3) administrative costs directly related to the coordination of supportive services. (d) Grant terms Grants shall be awarded for a term of 3years, subject to the availability of appropriations. (e) Priority In awarding grants, the Secretary shall give priority to owners or operators of a properties assisted under Section 515— (1) that serve elderly or disabled residents; or (2) are located in persistent poverty counties or underserved rural areas. (f) Program guidance The Secretary shall issue program guidance, including selection criteria and allowable uses of funds, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section. (g) Eligible applicant defined In this section, the term eligible applicant means an owner or operator of a property assisted under Section 515 that is in good standing with the Department of Agriculture. (h) No requirement To accept services No resident may be required to accept any service provided through the employment of a service coordinator. (i) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each year thereafter, to remain available until expended..