Washington grants can fund rural home remodel, renovation and repair.
Between 2000 and 2008, the median household income of rural populations across the U.S. decreased while, at the same time, the rural poverty rate increased by almost 2 percent. In Washington state, more than 800,000 citizens live in rural areas and 15 percent of rural Washingtonians fall below the poverty line. When it's a challenge to keep your family's basic needs met, home repairs can fall by the wayside. Luckily, several grants help fund home remodel, renovation and rehabilitation in rural regions of Washington.
Rural Development Office for Washington
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Office for Washington state offers home repair grants for rural residents. Grants can range up to $7,500 and can be used to pay for projects such as "repairing roofs, heating, electrical and plumbing systems, water and waste disposal, installing screens, windows, insulation and other steps to make the home safe," according to grant guidelines. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, make less than 50 percent of the county median income, own and occupy the property to repaired or be a senior over age 62.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development
Washington State Office
1835 Black Lake Blvd. SW
Suite B
Olympia, WA 98512
360-704-7740
rurdev.usda.gov
Department of Commerce
The Department of Commerce offers funds for home repair through the Home Repair and Rehabilitation Program. To qualify, homeowners must earn less than 60 percent of the state median income. Funds can be used for emergency home repair, mobile home replacement or storm damage repair. Owner-occupied, single-family homes and mobile homes are eligible. Grants can range up to $80,000, depending on the nature of the repair or replacement involved.
Washington State Department of Commerce
Housing Division
906 Columbia St. SW
P.O. Box 42525
Olympia, WA 98504
commerce.wa.gov
King County Housing and Community Development
King County Housing and Community Development offers grants through the Housing Repair program. To qualify, applicants must live in King County outside the city limits of Seattle, Medina, Beaux Arts, Normandy Park, Newcastle, Bellevue, Kent or Auburn. Grants range up to $3,000 for homeowners and up to $5,000 for mobile homeowners. Funds can be used for repairs such as "replacing your roof, installing a new septic system or making your living area or entrances more accessible," according to grant guidelines. Disabled grant recipients can also use the funds to make accessibility-related improvements. Renters can also apply for up to $5,000 in grant funds to make repairs to their units, with landlord approval.
King County
Department of Community and Human Services
Chinook Building
401 5th Ave.
Suite 510
Seattle, WA 98104
206-263-9095
kingcounty.gov
Tags: King County, Department Commerce, Grants range, home repair, Rural Development
