Qualified Buffalo area home owners can use various resources to repair their homes.
Buffalo, New York has a poverty rate that is more than double that of the U.S. average as determined by 2005 census bureau statistics. Because so many residents lack the income necessary to properly maintain their homes, grant assistance is provided to individuals and community organizations to help keep neighborhoods viable through housing rehabilitation. Does this Spark an idea?
Affordable Home Ownership Development Program
Non-profit community groups, charity organizations, and local housing authorities in the city may apply for Affordable Home Ownership Development (AHOD) grants, which are administered through the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC). If your organization has developed programs to build affordable housing for low to moderate income families it is eligible for AHOD funding. Up to $35,000 is available for each home, with as much as $40,000 granted in certain designated areas. You must acquire at least 40 percent of the projects total cost through other sources in order to take part in the AHOD program. The AHC provides application specifics and available funding announcements up to twice a year.
New York State Affordable Housing Corporation - Buffalo Office
535 Washington Street
Suite 102
Buffalo, NY 14203
716-853-1548
nyhomes.org
Erie County Housing Rehabilitation Program
Low income residents in suburban Buffalo are eligible for the Erie County Housing Rehabilitation Program. If you meet annual income requirements, you may receive money for home repair through a deferred loan paid for with grant funds. You will not be required to pay the loan back unless you sell your home or sign legal ownership over to someone else. Needed repairs to the home can include siding and roofing, installing new plumbing, and fixing heating or electrical systems. Your house must be located in specific areas of the greater Buffalo area to qualify for program funding, and the home has to be properly insured. Approved contractors will bid on the repair costs and you will then choose which contractor is awarded the work. Erie County officials will supervise the repair work for you. Funding and specific guideline announcements are made through the county Department of Environment and Planning as money becomes available through the federal government.
Erie County Department of Environment and Planning
Office of Community Development
Edward A. Rath County Office Building
95 Franklin Street, Room 1053
Buffalo, NY 14202
716-858-7490
erie.gov
Erie County Rental Rehabilitation Program
Owners of rental property in certain areas around Buffalo may apply for the Erie County Rental Rehabilitation Program. If you have rental housing that fails to meet standards set by city, state, and federal guidelines you may receive funding up to $15,000 for each unit. Money will be granted to you in the form of a loan that will only have to be paid back should you sell the property. At least 10 percent of the cost to improve the rental units will have to be paid for by you, and you must agree to rent only to low and moderate income families for seven years after receiving repair funding. The Erie County Rental Rehabilitation Program funds are made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The county Department of Environment and Planning will make announcements to the public concerning total program amounts and other details once they become known.
Erie County Department of Environment and Planning
Office of Community Development
Edward A. Rath County Office Building
95 Franklin Street, Room 1053
Buffalo, NY 14202
716-858-7490
erie.gov
Tags: Erie County, Rehabilitation Program, Department Environment, Department Environment Planning, Environment Planning
