$2.1 Million in Homeowner Rehab Grants Now Available

–Kansas Housing Awards Grants to 10 Communities to Renovate and Weatherize Unsafe Housing–

Topeka, KS - January 11, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) — Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) has awarded $2.1 million in Homeowner Rehabilitation (HR) grants to ten communities to facilitate the renovation, accessibility and weatherization of unsafe housing.  The funds, made possible by the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program, help low-income residents make home improvements, bring homes up to code and eliminate other health and safety hazards.

“A win-win for the homeowner and community, this is a great program for families and individuals who need assistance making their homes safer,” said Trish McAllister, Homeowner Rehab Program Manager.

Local municipalities distribute the rehab grants in the form of deferred loans. Homeowners are allowed to make emergency and exterior repairs, however cosmetic improvements are not permitted. The loans are non-interest bearing, requiring repayment only if the property is sold within three-years.

The following is a list of current Homeowner Rehabilitation Award Grantees.

City of Caldwell, $225,000
City of Chetopa, $237,000
City of El Dorado, $225,000
City of Emporia, $250,000
City of Liberal, $225,000
City of Lyons, $100,000
City of Manhattan, $100,000
City of Parsons, $225,000
Kingman County, $275,000
Rice County, $275,000

Total Funding Available
$2,137,000

Home improvements may include repairs to mechanical or structural items that present an imminent health and safety problem, such as:

1)  Roofs
2)  Mechanical systems (e.g., furnaces and hot water heaters)
3)  Plumbing, water or water/sewer laterals
4)  Windows, foundations and/or siding
5)  Essential energy related repairs
6)  Improvements to bathrooms and kitchens
7)  Accessibility modifications

The HOME Program is a federal block grant program directed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is designed to create affordable housing for low-income households.  KHRC provides HOME funding to community housing development organizations and local units of government throughout the state of Kansas, with the exception of Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, Wichita and Johnson County, communities which receive HOME fund allocations directly from HUD.

The goals of the HOME Program include expanding the supply of safe, sanitary and affordable housing for very low-income and low-income Kansans; strengthening the abilities of local governments, public housing authorities and community housing development organizations to implement strategies for achieving an adequate supply of affordable housing; and providing participating entities with various forms of federal housing assistance.

For more information about the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program, please call Tricia McAllister at 785-296-6836. Applicants should consult KHRC’s website  www.kshousingcorp.org for details. This message was sent by: Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, 611 S. Kansas, Topeka, KS 66603

Tagged as: Award, Homeowner Rehabilitation

 

 

 

 

USGBC - U.S. Green Building Council

HUD - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

NAR - National Association of REALTOR

RealtyTrac

FHFA - Federal Housing Finance Agency

Freddie Mac

MBA - Mortgage Bankers Association