Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Florida Home Improvement Grants

Florida offers grant assistance to residents who otherwise may not be able to afford necessary repairs to their homes.


Florida receives grant money from various government entities and programs, such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Funds are used to assist homeowners with improving and repairing their property. Grants are administered by the state's Department of Community Affairs. Does this Spark an idea?


Small Cities CDBG Program


Areas with low- to moderate- income property owners can receive funding through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program to rehabilitate homes. No less than 51 percent of the homeowners receiving money must be classified as low- and moderate-income homeowners, and the neighborhood must be defined as blighted. Rehabilitation projects funded by these grants are required to relieve conditions that are considered dangerous to people living in the surrounding area.


Weatherization Assistance Program


Florida provides assistance to low-income homeowners who wish to lower energy bills by upgrading their home's energy efficiency. Priority is given to households that have young children and pay high utility bills; households with seniors; households with residents who are physically handicapped. Project funds may be used for activities such as replacing water heaters, installing insulation and weather stripping, and making small repairs to floors, walls, ceilings, windows and doors.


Disaster Recovery Initiative


Florida cities and counties can apply for recovery grants if the area receives heavy damage from an event such as a hurricane and is declared a federal disaster area by the president. Funding may be used to repair damaged homes in low-income neighborhoods and provide upgrades to property in an attempt to lessen the effects of future disasters.







Tags: Block Grant, Community Development, Community Development Block, Development Block, Development Block Grant, households with, Small Cities