Slate siding
may contain asbestos which can cause serious medical conditions such as lung cancer.
Grants are available from several federal agencies to replace slate siding on residential and non-residential buildings. Grants cover the cost of labor to replace the siding, equipment and supply purchases, and the subsequent renovations and repairs to the structures. These government grants generally cover all of the project's costs, although some programs require applicants to match some of the award amounts with outside funding.
The Very Low-Income Housing Repair Program
Seniors who own homes with slate siding that's deemed a health hazard can apply for grants from the Very-Low Income Housing Repair Program. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the grants cover the costs of removing health and safety hazards from homes owned by individuals 62 years and older who cannot afford loans. Grants also cover renovations and repairs needed after the removal of the hazards. The maximum grant amount from the program is $7,500.
The Housing Preservation Grants Program
Homeowners, landlords and co-op members can replace the slate siding on their properties with grants from the Housing Preservation Grants Program. This program provides grants to applicants who live in communities with fewer than 20,000 residents. Owners and occupants of homes must have incomes of less than 50 percent of the area's median income to qualify. Once grants are received, recipients must use the funds within 24 months.
Main Street Grants
The Main Street Grant program provides financial assistance to towns with less than 50,000 residents and 100 physical public housing units, to renovate older buildings and offices in their downtown historical districts. Replacing slate siding is one of the eligible projects under the grant program as long as it doesn't disturb the building's historical character. These properties are converted into affordable rental housing units. The grant program is sponsored by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grant
The USDA also provides grants to farm owners and operators to renovate and repair housing units occupied by its seasonal laborers. The Farm Labor Housing Loans and Grants program also awards grants covering the construction and renovation of facilities used by documented workers who earn the majority of their income from farming. Such facilities can include dining areas, laundromats and daycare centers. Recipients must match up to 10 percent of the grants.
Tags: housing units, slate siding, Farm Labor, Farm Labor Housing, grant program, grants from
