Program remains extremely popular with Fort Wayne residents

Less than two hours after opening the application process, the City of Fort Wayne has no more available appointments for the 2010 homeowner improvement program. The City had a large volume of calls when the program opened at 8 a.m. today, and regrets any inconvenience that this may have caused residents.

New this year, applicants were asked to call 311, the City’s One Call to City Hall, to prequalify and request an appointment. For residents who left messages with 311, the 311 call takers are returning messages in the order in which they were received in the system.

The City’s homeowner improvement program provides grants or low-interest loans to assist homeowners with mechanical and exterior repairs. It also funds retrofits allowing seniors or disabled residents to remain in their homes. This year’s program has a total of $700,000 in funding available to homeowners with household incomes at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income.