Rehabilitation Programs
Southwestern
Community Services (SCS) has found that there are many
home owners in Cheshire and Sullivan counties that
sometimes cannot afford to make needed repairs to their
homes. Often they are elderly people who get by on
Social Security benefits and live in the houses they
have owned most of their lives. Others are single
parents, or couples with young children who struggle to
make ends meet on a daily basis, or families who have
fallen on hard times due to a job loss, or illness. A
leaky roof, failed septic system, or a malfunctioning
heating system will often destabilize households, and
cause them to lose their homes.
SCS
administers several home rehab programs, which help low
to moderate income families make needed repairs to their
homes. These programs are designed to help people stay
in their homes and keep them in good repair. This not
only helps the home
owners, but it helps the Community as well.
Each
year these programs vary in the amount of funding
available, and the dates they start and end. SCS staff
will always accept applications. If funding is not
available at the time, you will be placed on a waiting
list until the next program starts. There is also an
income eligibility requirement which changes each year.
SCS will usually make a public announcement in a local
area newspapers whenever funding is available. Program
availability will also be announced in the SCS
newsletter.
A
priority system is used to determine which households
will receive assistance and what improvements will be
made. Priority is given to deficiencies effecting
health, life safety, and housing code violations.
Examples of improvements include: Septic and water
supply systems, Electrical or Plumbing repairs and
upgrades, Heating systems, Structural repairs, Roof
replacements, and accessibility for handicapped
individuals.
Programs
which are generally available:
The
HOME program
The
Housing Preservation Grant (HPG)
Community
Development Block Grants (CDBG)
HOME:
This program is for single-family, owner occupied homes.
Funding is considered a deferred payment
loan which is a non-interest accruing. No
payment is required until the home is sold or is no
longer used as the owner’s primary residence.
Homeowner’s insurance must be in force and all taxes
must be up to date. Priority is given to families with
children.
HPG:
This program is funded by Rural
Development, and is similar to the HOME program. It
targets a specific town or county and requirements can
change from year to year. Funding is a deferred loan
arrangement, which is a non-interest accruing loan and
will be forgiven.
CDBG:
This program is not always available and
can change from year to year. The CDBG can help any
homes with four or less units. Priority is given to
Elderly applicants and owner occupied homes. Funding is
considered a deferred loan arrangement, which is a
non-interest accruing loan and will be forgiven after
five years.
For
Income Guidelines and pre-application click on the links below and follow the
instructions:
~Housing
Rehab Program Application~
~Housing Rehab Income Guidelines~
“This institution is an equal opportunity
provider”
