Plainville and Stockton each awarded $100,000 HOME Rehabilitation grant

Topeka, KS. Jan. 7, 2008 - Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, the state housing agency, has awarded nearly $2 million in Homeowner Rehabilitation (HR) Assistance Awards to 11 Kansas communities. The grants, funded through the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program, are distributed to cities and counties to facilitate the renovation, accessibility and weatherization of substandard housing within their communities.

The communities of Plainville and Stockton in Rooks County each were awarded $100,000 in grant funds.

“Unfortunately, many Kansans are still living in homes that are unsafe," said Tricia McAllister, Homeowner Rehabilitation Program Manager. "The grants awarded today will help provide a comfortable and safe environment for 100 families who otherwise can’t afford basic repairs to their homes.
Local municipalities distribute the HR assistance in the form of a deferred loan, allowing homeowners to make repairs, bring their home up to code and eliminate other health and safety hazards.  Home improvements may include.
Individuals eligible for HR assistance are those who reside in the home as their principal residence and whose household income is no more than 80 percent of the area median gross annual income. Interested homeowners may apply directly to the local communities receiving HR funding.

A complete list of communities receiving homeowner rehab awards may be found online at http://www.kshousingcorp.org/display/files/HR/HR_2007_Alloc.pdf.  Priority is given to communities that target elderly homeowners, persons with disabilities, and families with school-age children.  For more information about the Homeowner Rehabilitation program, please contact Tricia McAllister of KHRC at 785-296-6836.  Certain restrictions apply.  Applicants should consult KHRC’s website for details.
 
Homeowner Rehabilitation grants advance KHRC’s primary goal of enhancing Kansas communities with housing opportunities using a variety of strategies and approaches, including increasing homeownership opportunities, promoting energy efficiency improvements for owner-occupied and rental housing and providing affordable housing through rent assistance to low-income families and senior citizens.