As of 2008, over 6 percent of the U.S. population lived in mobile homes.
Cooperative mobile home parks are housing communities owned by its tenants. Mobile home communities needing financial assistance for capital projects can apply for grants from federal and state government agencies. These grants cover the costs of constructing, renovating and repairing mobile homes and other structures in their communities. Recipients also use grants to cover equipment purchases.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Co-op members are eligible to apply for financial assistance to renovate and repair their mobile homes through the Housing Preservation Grants Program. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, this program awards grants covering projects done on mobile homes occupied by low-income tenants. Mobile home communities in areas of less than 20,000 residents are eligible to apply for these grants. Recipients must use the funds within a 24-month period.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, also sponsors grants to cover capital projects on co-op mobile home parks. The Community Development Block Grant program awards grants to counties with over 200,000 residents to improve economic development and living conditions. Grants finance property acquisitions, construction and renovation of residential structures, such as mobile homes and re-developing vacant areas. Grant amounts are determined by several factors including the areas' populations and poverty levels.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, also awards grants to co-op mobile home parks in areas where tornadoes occur to protect residents. The Residential Safe Room Initiatives program awards grants to communities of manufactured homes to build tornado safe shelters. These communities must have at least 20 housing units occupied by low-income residents and the areas must have been hit with tornadoes within the previous 36 months of application.
State Grants
State government agencies also sponsor grant programs to fund capital projects in cooperative mobile home parks. For example, Maryland's Department of Housing and Community Development awards grants to cover projects ensuring the safety of mobile homes throughout the states. Co-op mobile home park managers should check with their state government offices for grant opportunities.
Tags: mobile homes, awards grants, grants cover, home parks, mobile home, capital projects, Department Housing
