USDA Rural Development Staff Participate in National Day of Service Across the Country

(Washington, D.C., October 29, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Rural Housing Service (RHS) employees from across the nation stepped forward into their communities on Friday, October 16, to take part in the agency's National Day of Service. Staff volunteered in towns and rural communities from coast to coast, rolling up their sleeves to support local organizations, housing partners, and American families.

The National Day of Service underscores RHS's commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. Teams participated in activities such as mutual self-help housing builds, community clean-ups, and support for local nonprofits like animal shelters and housing authorities.

USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen R. Smith joined the Virginia Rural Development team at a modular home site in the Central Rappahannock region of Virginia. Once completed, the home will house a U.S. military veteran through the Section 502 Direct Loan Program .

"Serving rural communities is the heart of what we do, and today we showed that commitment in a hands-on way," said Rural Housing Administrator George Kelly. "I'm incredibly proud of our team. Their energy and enthusiasm are a reminder that Rural Development doesn't just invest in communities-we're part of them."

National Day of Service by the Numbers

• Number of participants: 200
• Total Sites: 32
• Number of states: 27

The National Day of Service offered RHS staff an opportunity to deepen local relationships and demonstrate the resilience, hard work, and determination that have long defined America's rural communities.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity, and transportation infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov .

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