A home that could benefit from the use of a federal home improvement grant.
Improving a home for safety reasons or to make it energy efficient begins with available resources to make the needed changes. Many homeowners live in unsafe and at times unsanitary conditions because they lack the financial resources to change this situation. Certain grants from the government have been created to support low-income to moderate-income families to improve their housing circumstances to make them safe, free of hazards and sanitary places to live.
State Agency
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the government's main housing agency. This particular office within the federal government partners with many community organizations throughout the country to improve neighborhoods, especially those located within low-income communities. Grants for home improvement programs are not directed toward individuals but toward state government, nonprofit and community-based organizations that helps them. The California Department of Housing and Community Development is a state organization that receives HUD funding and some funds can be applied toward repairing and improving homes. Many states have state-based housing departments and they can help the individual to receive assistance with home improvement.
Ethnic Agencies
Some ethnic organizations team up with HUD to help further HUD's agenda with improving the conditions for residences within their particular community. The National American Indian Housing Council has formed a relationship with the federal government and HUD to provide advocacy and tribally designated housing entities. It also advocates policy favorable to American Indians and Alaskan Natives housing needs. One such grant available from HUD that promotes this agenda is the Indian Housing Assistance grant and it is sponsored by another Native American association called the Indian Health Service. This program provides decent, safe and sanitary housing conditions through repairs, renovations and additions to existing homes. Contact HUD to find out more information about this home improvement grant.
Rural Housing
Certain groups of people can sometimes encounter problems with income that will make it almost impossible for them to correct any housing problems that they might have. Certain social groups such as seniors may not have the economic sources in order to effectively deal with housing needs. The Rural Development Grant offered by the United States Department of Agriculture aids seniors who are at least 62 years of age and who have an income that is 50 percent or less than a specific areas median income. The grant funding removes safety hazards, repairs housing systems (such as plumbing, electrical), and also helps to eliminate health risks that a structure might cause. Seniors can find out more about this program by contacting the USDA, the public assistance agency in their area or a housing agency to see if this program is offered.
Insulation
The government offers a grant program called the Weatherization Assistance for Low-Income Persons that helps homeowners to insulate their homes to make them more energy efficient. This type of assistance can be used for improving the home because it helps to make the house more economically and environmentally sound. Low-income individuals who qualify can receive grant funding for furnace replacement, attic insulation and labor cost to complete the work. Applicants can contact their local HUD agency to find out more about this program.
Damaged Housing
The forces of nature can sometimes cause major damage to housing and for many homeowners they may not be able to repair the damage even if they have insurance. The government offers a grant called Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households-Housing that assists homeowners with housing repairs affected by a disaster. This grant will aid in home repair, temporary home placement and even for property construction if it is necessary. The president must declare a location a national disaster area before homeowners can utilize this grant. The Department of Homeland Security will be the government agency to contact if anyone need assistance from this type of grant.
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