Federal Grants for Home Restoration
When home restoration is a priority, and money is a concern, there are federal resources available to assist. The National Historic Preservation Act provides money to states, which in turn make funding available to home owners with property deemed to be of historic value. In addition, there is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Housing Preservation and local home-repair programs through the U.S. Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Does this Spark an idea?
National Historic Preservation Act
Homes deemed of historic value qualify for funds made available through this act passed by Congress in 1966. Funds are available for sites, buildings and structures of significant historic value, such as those situated on property formerly owned or frequented by historical figures, or land where victories were won, such as General William Sherman's March to the Sea in 1864, placing Madison, Ga. on historical registries.
Funding is first provided to each state, which in turn makes funding available to municipalities. Municipalities then make decisions as to whom to grant money. Preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and reconstruction monies are available to qualified home owners, with oversight from program-selected contractors to ensure that all projects meet specific guidelines within the act. New York, for example, has its funding available through the Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. Funding priority is given to those homes and establishments placed on the National Registry. Ohio makes funding available first to communities that participate in the grant program, it is then made available to local residents. Because each state handles its own funding from the National Historic Preservation Act, you must check with your state's Historic Preservation Office or Office of Parks and Recreation.
USDA Rural Housing Preservation Grant Program
The USDA has a preservation grant program directly available to low- or very low-income people with homes in rural areas. Funding is made directly to applicants and can be used to repair and rehabilitate homes. It can also be provided first to qualified public agencies working with states to oversee programs and screen applicants, and then make decisions on projects. The estimated total of money awarded in 2009 was $10 million for 10,433 housing grants. Information and applications for this program can be found on the grants.gov website, or directly through the USDA's website. This program also offers assistance to rental property owners and cooperative housing complexes, as long as residents meet the income eligibility guidelines.
Local Home Repair Programs through HUD
HUD offers state or not-for-profit sponsored home-repair programs. These programs are income dependent and vary by state as to funding, income eligibility and type of repair that qualifies for funding. New York, for example, has the RESTORE Program--Residential Emergency Services to Offer (Home) Repairs to the Elderly. Funds can be used for most emergency repairs, or to upgrade hazardous conditions. Program administrators hire contractors to oversee construction to ensure program compliance. Funding involves grants and loans, or a combination of the two. You must be 60 years of age or older to qualify and there is a cap on funding. Other state versions of HUD funding can be found on individual state government websites, or by visiting the HUD's website.
Tags: Historic Preservation, funding available, historic value, National Historic, National Historic Preservation
