Low-interest rate loans help residents make needed repairs to homes
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Mayor Tom Henry invites city homeowners to apply for funding to make needed repairs on their homes, as part of the City's 2012 Homeowner Repair Program. It provides up to $5,000 in assistance in the form of low-interest loans to help homeowners repair or replace roofs, windows, electrical and mechanical systems and make other needed repairs.
"Our program is designed to do much more than fix a problem with a house," Mayor Henry said. "One of our goals is to improve access to credit for the participants, so they have more opportunity in the future to connect with resources to help maintain their homes."
Specifically, the program's eligible repairs include:
• Roof replacement
• Furnace replacement
• Windows
• Electrical or mechanical systems
• Façade deficiencies
• Hot water heaters
• Accessibility modifications, such as entrance ramps.
The program was launched this week and runs through Aug. 31, or whenever the funding runs out, whichever comes first. The program features 3 percent interest rate loans, which can be repaid over seven years, with a minimum $25 monthly payment.
The program is limited to households earning 80 percent or less of area median income as established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For example, the income eligibility limit is $51,050 per year for a family of four. Program participants must have lived in the house for at least one year and not received any other Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services assistance in the past 10 years.
Homeowners who are approved for the program will then work with OHNS staff to identify eligible repairs to be completed under the loan program. OHNS staff will select a private contractor to perform approved scope of work through a competitive bid process.
In addition to inspections, as required by the Allen County Building Department, the City will ensure the completed work meets the City's established rehabilitation standards.
The City is using federal HUD funds from the Community Development Block Grant program to fund the initiative. By offering assistance in the form of loans, this year's program enables OHNS to use repaid funds for future initiatives.
For more information, interested homeowners can call (260) 427-8585. Information is also available in English and Spanish at www.cityoffortwayne.org/repairs