Grant may offer no-cost home repairs for Sullivan County homeowners

Sullivan County has designated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation work. Homeowners who live in their home full-time are encouraged to apply now to get on the waiting list.

Plus, more dollars can now be spent per home than in previous grants, so homeowners can receive up to $50,000 for rehabilitation improvements and up to an additional $25,000 to reduce and stabilize lead-based paint.

Eligible repairs include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon and lead-based paint mitigation, and energy-related improvements. Also included are modifications for mobility-impaired residents.

The county will provide up to $75,000 as a no-interest loan, which will be forgiven if the property is not sold or transferred for at least five years after the rehabilitation is complete.

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) assists the homeowner through the whole process, said Teri Provost, director of the agency’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

“We help the homeowner from start to finish – from obtaining a contractor, managing the project, to anything that may arise during or after the rehabilitation process,” Provost said.

Interested homeowners may call SEDA-COG’s Stacy Anderson at 800-326-9310, ext. 7215.

Qualifications:

  • Primary residence must be in Sullivan County.
  • Own the home or have Life Rights to live in it.
  • Be current on all local taxes and municipal utility bills.
  • Provide proof of homeowner’s insurance.
  • Live in the home an additional five years.
  • Meet income qualifications base on household size below.

Gross household income not to exceed:

Size                      Income Limit

  • 1 — $36,350
  • 2 — $41,550
  • 3 — $46,750
  • 4 — $51,900
  • 5 — $56,100