September Lunch and Learn

Description

La Grange Area Chamber of Commerce
Lunch & Learn: USDA Home Loan & Home Repair Programs

- You're Invited: Lunch & Learn on USDA Home Loan & Repair Programs — Sept 22
- Free Lunch & Learn: Affordable Homeownership & Home Repair Programs (USDA 502/504)

Join us Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM for a Lunch & Learn hosted by the La Grange Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Extension Program.

Dr. Shanta Harrison, Extension Program Specialist for Housing at PVAMU, will walk attendees through two USDA programs that can open the door to affordable homeownership — and help current homeowners keep their homes safe:
- USDA Section 502 Single Family Housing Direct Loan — helps low- and moderate-income households buy, build, or refinance a home in eligible rural areas, often with no down payment required.
- USDA Section 504 Home Repair Loan & Grant — helps existing low-income homeowners repair, modernize, or remove health and safety hazards from their homes. Grants (which don't have to be repaid) are available to homeowners age 62 and older.

Dr. Harrison's team will also provide on-site application assistance, so attendees can get started the same day.


This event isn't just for Chamber members — we encourage you to invite anyone who might benefit, including:
- Anyone hoping to buy their first home but unsure how to qualify
- Homeowners who need repairs they can't currently afford
- City, county, and school district employees, who could benefit directly from these programs
- Local pastors, who are encouraged to attend to learn about the program's benefits and explore sharing this information with their congregations and community networks
- Real estate agents, lenders, and contractors who work with clients in Fayette County
- Friends, family, or neighbors who could use the help

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (CDT)
Location: Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center, 250 W. Fairgrounds Road, La Grange, TX 78945
Cost: Free for Chamber members and non-members
Register: September Lunch and Learn – La Grange Area Chamber of Commerce 

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr. Shanta Harrison is the Extension Program Specialist for Housing in the Community Economic Unit of Prairie View A&M University, part of the Texas A&M University System. A community and economic development professional with more than 25 years of experience in local, state, and federal government, she previously served as Deputy Assistant Director of Housing and Community Development for the City of Houston, CAO of the Louisiana Housing Corporation, and Director of Women's Policy in the Louisiana Governor's Office. Dr. Harrison specializes in housing education, homeownership advancement, and program leadership, and is known for building cross-sector partnerships that deliver measurable community impact.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
This event is made possible by the generous support of:
- Butler Contracting
- Golden Chick
- Centex Realty
- Ron's Overhead Doors

We hope to see you there!