County home repair funds possible
From our weekly issue dated December 19, 2007
Josephine County is considering applying for 2008 Community Development Block Grant funds from the State of Oregon to continue the Josephine County Home Repair Loan Program.
The county has applied and received funding during 2003, 2005 and 2006. The funding for the ‘06 grant year is fully committed to individual home owners, and the county is assessing the need for additional funding.
Each year the state holds a competition for block grant funds from the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development. This is the portion of such funds distributed to the state for the rural areas. These areas must compete, and are given based on need. The funding can be used for “Public Improvements and Community Facilities in addition to Housing.”
The Josephine County Home Repair Program assists low-income home owners with needed repairs to their homes by providing zero percent interest, and deferred payment loans up to $25,000 per home. The program is often the only solution for many low-income home owners whose needed repairs are beyond their limited budgets.
Home owners faced with urgent, often dangerous situations such as faulty wiring, outdated electrical panels, leaking roofs, failing septic systems and broken heating systems many times are unable to get a bank loan to complete these repairs. Even smaller, less-pressing repairs can be too expensive for home owners on fixed incomes.
Often these ADA repairs or improvements, such as the addition of wheel chair ramps, handrails or bathroom alterations are necessary in order for them to continue with their daily lives. This program makes these repairs possible because there are no payments due until the home is sold.
The program has rehabilitated more than 30 homes during the past several years and 12 more are in process. Said the Housing Authority of Jackson County:
“The homes are not only repaired for the individual currently living in the residence, but it upgrades the structure for the future, contributing to a better housing stock in the community. This grant funding has the added benefit of contributing to the local economy by employing small contractors and providing funding for materials purchased at local building supply stores.
“Josephine County has contracted with the Housing Authority of Jackson County (HAJC) to deliver the grant funding to home owners. HAJC has been administering home repair programs throughout the Rogue Valley for the past 20 years. It works with partners such as Avista Utilities, USDA Rural Development and ACCESS Inc. to maximize the repair funds and provide more energy-efficient homes for Josephine County Home Repair clients.
“Renewed funding will allow Josephine County and the Housing Authority to continue offering this program in the community.”
Home owners who would like to place their name on a waiting list or want an information sheet should contact HAJC in Medford at 779-5785 or toll-free at (888) 276-7890: Linda Reid, Ext. 1032 or Steven Kraft, Ext. 1009; or email Linda@hajc.net or steven@hajc.net.
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