You might be able to find help to finance needed home improvements
Depending on where you live and what your income is, you might be able to find a grant to help make improvements to your Kansas home. Several programs funded by block grants from the federal government provide grants of varying amounts for specific recipients and purposes. Some of the programs are a combination of grants and loans.
HOME Program
The HOME program works with low-income owners and renters
The HOME Program is funded through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For this largest of the HUD housing block grant programs, HUD forms a partnership with state, county and city governments. The HOME program works with both owner-occupied and rental homes, with different programs tailored for each scenario. Each localized HOME program has flexibility in how the local program is designed, so the HOME program in Wichita can be different from the HOME program in Kansas City. The Kansas Housing Resources Corp. has a HOME program coordinator who can provide information on local and regional HOME programs in the state.
Housing Resources Corp.
611 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 300
Topeka, KS 66603
785-296-3649
Community Services Block Grant Program
The CSBG program assists with projects for low-income residents.
HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is given to states, and states channel the money to local agencies. In Kansas, the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program funnels money to community action agencies to address an array of community needs, one of which is adequate housing. For more information on the program, contact the Kansas Housing Resources Corp.'s CSBG manager.
Community Services Block Grant
611 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 300
Topeka, KS 66603
785-296-0089
Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Loans and Grants
Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation is for "very low income" homeowners
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Loans and Grants program provides loans up to $20,000 and grants up to $7,500 for repair and rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes if the owner's income qualifies as "very low income," according to HUD guidelines for the specific area the home is in. To qualify for the grant, the homeowner must be 62 or older. For more information about this program, contact your regional USDA Rural Development office. The regional offices are in Garden City, Hays, Manhattan, Newton and Iola.
USDA Rural Development State Office
1303 SW First American Place - Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66604
785-271-2700
Housing Preservation Grants
Housing Preservation Grants have income guidelines but no age limits
Housing Preservation Grants are also available through USDA. These grants are income-based with no age guidelines. HPG grants fund repair and rehabilitation of housing for low-income residents. Funds can be used for rental property as well as owner-occupied homes. To apply, contact the regional office serving your area. Regional offices are in Garden City, Hays, Manhattan, Newton and Iola.
USDA Rural Development State Office
1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66604
785-271-2700
Tags: HOME program, Block Grant, Suite Topeka, USDA Rural, Community Services
