Preserving Rural Rental Housing: A New Webinar Series from HAC

USDA’s Section 515 Rural Rental Housing program has been a cornerstone of affordable housing in rural communities for more than 60 years. Since the program’s inception in 1962, Section 515 loans have financed nearly 28,000 multifamily properties, providing more than 533,000 affordable apartment homes across the United States.

As the Section 515 portfolio continues to age and face new challenges, preserving these critical housing resources has never been more important.

The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) is excited to announce a new webinar series focused on some of the most pressing issues affecting the USDA rural rental housing portfolio. These sessions will provide practical information for nonprofit organizations, housing developers, community leaders, and others interested in preserving affordable rural housing.


Webinar 1: Understanding the Section 515 Portfolio and Transfer Process


  • October 14, 2026 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM EDT


Explore the current state of the Section 515 portfolio and learn about the transfer process, key requirements, and preservation opportunities.


Webinar 2: Stand-Alone Rental Assistance Explained


  • October 21, 2026 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM EDT


Learn what Stand-Alone Rental Assistance is, how it works, what is changing, and why it is an important preservation tool for rural affordable housing.


Webinar 3: Owning and Operating Section 515 Properties


  • October 28, 2026 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM EDT


Gain insights into the day-to-day realities of ownership, property management, compliance, and long-term stewardship of Section 515 housing.


Applications Now Open for HAC’s Service Coordination Technical Assistance Program

We are pleased to announce open applications for the cohort of the Service Coordination Technical Assistance Program.  Thanks to a generous grant from the AARP Foundation, HAC will provide technical assistance to an initial group of 8-10 owners of USDA 515 rental properties to build a resident service coordination program.  We suggest reading the SCTAP Program Overview and Program Implementation Details prior to filling out the application.

Please reach out to Center for Rural Preservation Manager, Seth Leonard, at Seth@ruralhome.org with questions.


2026 SCTAP Program Overview 2026 SCTAP Implementation Details Apply Now

GET THE HAC NEWS!

Sign-up for HAC information products

SIGN UP HERE

Housing Assistance Council   |  1828 L Street. N.W., Suite 505, Washington, D.C. 20036
(202) 842-8600 (202) 347-3441 hac@ruralhome.org |

Board Portal

HAC is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. | Civil Rights | Privacy