The Housing Rehab Program
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.
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, it helps the community as
well.
Each year these programs vary in the amount of
funding available and the dates they begin 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 make a public announcement
in local area newspapers whenever funding is
available.
A priority system is used to determine which
households will receive assistance and what
improvements will be made. Priority is given to
deficiencies affecting 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.
The USDA Rural Development website provides more
information regarding
Rural Housing Programs in
Vermont and New Hampshire.
Housing Rehab Income Guidelines
Persons in Household
% of Median Income (effective 5/14/10)
50%
80%
1
$24,200
$38,750
2
$27,650
$44,250
3
$31,100
$49,800
4
$34,550
$55,300
5
$37,350
$59,750
6
$40,100
$64,150
7
$42,850
$68,600
8
$45,650
$73,000
HOME Program
Single Family Purchase Price/Value Limits
(effective 2007)
