Low income government grants are available for home improvement.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers several programs for qualified homeowners designed to assist in the repair and improvement of homes for the safety and comfort of the occupants. Local offices gather necessary information on application forms that are then used to determine eligibility and distribute funds. Does this Spark an idea?
History
According to HUD.GOV, the U.S. Housing Act was passed in 1937 and is sometimes known as the Wagner-Steagall Act in reference to the sponsoring legislators. Designed to provide subsidies from the United States government to low-income families and improve their housing and living conditions, the act designated local agencies to distribute funds. Amendments added in 1949 and 1954 set goals for improved living and "slum clearance." In 1965 the Federal Housing Administration(FHA) became a division of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Function
The present-day mission of HUD is creating strong communities with affordable quality homes for anyone who wants to acquire or retain his or her own home. Through various programs, HUD works to help the housing market, protect consumers and improve the economy. Loans are provided for the purchase of single family homes and rental units. Grants are available to improve single family dwellings and to rehabilitate multi-family rental units.
Grants
One program attainable through HUD is a grant for home improvement and repair for low-income homeowners. Intended to improve the safety and health of the occupants, grants are given for necessary repairs such as roofing, electric wiring and plumbing. According to HUDGRANTS.com, improvements that qualify for HUD grants may also include those that enhance energy efficiency, such as new windows, wind resistant siding, storm doors, addition of insulation, sealing of foundation cracks or other repairs that improve heating and cooling efficiency.
Requirements
Federal grant funds obtained through HUD cannot be used for any purpose other than to improve or repair the home. Generally, the homeowner is responsible to for getting estimates for the work, and the money is paid to the designated licensed contractor. Grants are not repaid so long as the homeowner retains ownership of the improved building for at least five years. The home can be sold before that time, but a prorated portion of the grant will then become due and payable, based on how much of the five year requirement was met.
Qualifications
To qualify for a Federal home improvement grant the recipient must be at least 18 years old and a citizen of the United States. Applications are free and are obtained at the local HUD offices. Information about government housing programs is also available online at HUD.GOV. Most government grants are intended for low-income individuals or families.
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