WILTON — U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud announced Tuesday that the U. S. Department of Agriculture awarded a $200,000 grant to Western Maine Community Action in East Wilton.

The Rural Community Development Initiative grant is for the Maine Keeping Seniors Home program, which assists elderly, low-income homeowners in making vital repairs and efficiency upgrades.

“This investment will allow Western Maine Community Action to continue providing valuable assistance that helps Maine seniors continue to live in their homes,” Michaud said in a press release. “Ensuring that the homes of Maine’s elderly residents are safe, secure and efficient helps our seniors preserve their independence, supports the local economy, and creates jobs.”

According to the USDA, this investment will be used by WMCA to introduce a regional collaboration focusing on regional job creation and technical assistance and training for Maine’s energy auditors, private contractors, and other community assistance providers and partners, and investing in other key support services for the elderly.