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Owner Rehab Program
The Homeowner Rehabilitation Program has been in operation for
many years and has been funded by a Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) or HOME fund grants awarded by the Nebraska Department
of Economic Development. Currently, the Housing Development Division
assists homeowners in the repair of homes owned by low income
families living in Norfolk, or within a 5-mile jurisdiction of
Norfolk.
Requirements of the homeowners for this program include but are
not limited to:
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Having total household income at or below 80% of median income
for Madison County Nebraska
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Property must be within 5-mile jurisdiction of the City of
Norfolk
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Financial net worth (less value of the home) must not exceed
$100,000.00
·
Maximum loan or grant amount may not exceed $20,000.00
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Repairs must be for safety and health issues first, then other
repairs items may be considered
·
Repayment of loans can be from 5 - 10 years
·
Repayment amounts are based on income
This has been an excellent program providing many families with a
safe and healthy living environment, and improving the neighborhood
and the values of area properties.
City provides housing grants
to low-income homeowners |
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Special to the Daily News
LeAnn Arnold needed to replace
the steps to her basement and the siding on her house. The
wood was rotting, but - having recently lost her husband -
she was having difficulty affording the repairs.
Through a housing grant distributed by the City of Norfolk,
she was able to get the steps replaced, new siding and the
porch replaced.
"I am so grateful that there was help out there for me and
my family," Arnold said.
Sheila Miller, the City of Norfolk's housing director, said
residents should be aware that there are grants available
for low-income homeowners to help them with these
improvements.
"There is money available up to $20,000 for home owners who
qualify. The project could include a new furnace, roof,
siding, air conditioner, windows, floor covering or other
home improvements," Miller said.
She is encouraging homeowners within the Norfolk city limits
who qualify under the low-in-come requirements to apply for
the grants.
For instance, a single person who earns $20,250; the
two-person household that earns $23,100; or the three-person
household earning $26,000 would pay back 10 percent of the
loan at zero percent interest over a five-year term. |
The
single person who makes $32,400; the two-person household
that earns $37,000; or the three-person household earning
$41,650 would pay back 50 percent of the loan at zero
percent interest over a five-year term.
The City of Norfolk annually applies for a Community
Development Block Grant from the Nebraska Department of
Economic Development. The state distributes the grant money
according to the number of applications in the community.
The City of Norfolk housing division has administered these
funds for over 30 years with approximately 10 homes each
year receiving improvements through the use of these funds.
Last year, one family used the funds to update the
electrical wiring in their older home. Another family put
insulation in their attic. One replaced their older windows
with more energy-efficient windows.
A leaky roof, cracked foundation and updated kitchen
flooring would all qualify as necessary home improvements.
To find out more about the grant program, Norfolkans can
contact Sheila Miller at 844-2081 or e-mail her at
smiller@ci.norfolk.ne.us. To get on the waiting list for
the grant money, residents need only give their name,
address and phone number.
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