In just two days, nearly 200 island residents have visited either the Dededo or Hagat Mayor's offices to learn more about the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Section 504 program.

The program provides financially challenged manåmko with the opportunity to avail up to $50,000 in federal grants and low-income loans to improve their homes.

The screening and intake sessions were coordinated between the Office of Delegate James Moylan, USDA, and the respective mayor’s office.

During the discussions, individuals are briefly interviewed to determine eligibility for the program from a household income perspective, and for those who may be deemed as “eligible” they would then be provided the application and requirements for completion.

The next session will be held on Thursday, May 9, at the MTM Mayor's Office.

Taking into account the increase in the interest of the program, additional sessions in other municipal offices are being coordinated for future weeks, including in Inalahan on May 29, 2024.

Once the additional confirmed schedules are in place, an official release will be shared.

“I want to thank the USDA, the Mayors and their staff, and our district team for their collaboration in assisting those in the community who greatly need the support from the Section

504 program. There is a process in place, and our objectives are to ensure that as many qualified residents on island for these grants and loans can secure the funds,” said Moylan.

He added, “We continue to dialogue with the national USDA office to seek additional support for both the Guam USDA office in terms of manpower and resources, along with identifying funding programs to also assist working-class families. Section 504 is just the start.”

As part of the appropriation process for Fiscal Year 2025 ongoing in Congress, Delegate James Moylan led a letter requesting for an increase in the Section 504 Program funding by an additional $10 million.