USDA Rural Development Tennessee Announces Priority Housing Loan Application Status for Veterans and Surviving Spouses

(Nashville, Tenn., November 10, 2026) - In recognition of Veterans Day 2026, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Tennessee State Director Patrick Jaynes today announced the approval of a housing waiver for fiscal year 2027. The waiver grants priority one application status to military veterans and surviving spouses of deceased veterans applying for assistance through the Section 502 Single Family Housing Loan Program.

"Few acts of service are greater than the decision to serve one's country," said Jaynes. "Our veterans have answered that call, sacrificing their time, opportunities, and, in many cases, their personal well-being to defend the freedoms we cherish as Americans. This Veterans Day, we are proud to demonstrate our gratitude through meaningful action that places our veterans and surviving spouses at the forefront of our housing assistance efforts."

The approved waiver establishes veterans and surviving spouses as priority one applicants, providing them with the highest level of application priority under the program in Tennessee.

The new priority designation will apply to eligible applicants throughout Fiscal Year 2027. This initiative complements several existing Tennessee Rural Development housing assistance efforts focused on veterans, including the Homes for Hometown Vets Small House Pilot Program, established in 2025, and the Project 250 Home Repair Program. Together, these initiatives reflect an ongoing commitment to improving housing accessibility, affordability, and quality of life for veterans living in rural Tennessee.

"Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA Rural Development is committed to putting America First," Jaynes said. "That commitment includes ensuring that the brave men and women who served our nation are recognized not only through words of appreciation but through programs and policies that make a meaningful difference in their lives. Prioritizing our veterans and surviving spouses for rural housing assistance is one small way we can express the gratitude of a grateful nation".

USDA Rural Development's Section 502 Single Family Housing Loan Program helps eligible applicants obtain safe, decent, and sanitary housing in eligible rural areas. The program supports homeownership opportunities for qualifying applicants who may otherwise face challenges obtaining affordable housing financing. The priority one designation establishes application processing priority and does not guarantee loan approval. Applicants must continue to meet applicable program eligibility requirements.

As the nation observes Veterans Day, USDA Rural Development Tennessee proudly honors the service and sacrifice of America's veterans and reaffirms its commitment to supporting those who have defended our country.

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway . The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making Rural Development's investment data accessible to the public. For more information about USDA Rural Development programs, visit www.rd.usda.gov/tn .

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