Home repair grant funding available

Tuesday, September 27, 2011 11:00 AM PDT

ONTARIO — Families who are struggling financially and need to make repairs on their homes in Malheur County are urged to apply for a Community Development Block Grant through Community In Action in Ontario.

Priority will be given to homes in the Nyssa School District because the City of Nyssa is the grant applicant, but all residents in Malheur County are eligible to apply. To qualify, homes must be 25 years old or older and the home must be secured by equity in the home. Homeowners applying must make 80 percent or less of the median area income. A family of four would earn $41,350 annually.

The grant is for rehabilitation or repairs to the home that have a deficiency in housing standard qualities in sanitation, security, weatherization, illumination and electrical systems, structure, water supply and access (doorways or Americans With Disabilities Act acceptability issues).

Community In Action currently has enough funding for six more projects in Malheur County, with an average amount available of $12,000.

Those interested in applying need to create a letter of interest from Community In Action, which can be contacted at (541) 889-9555 or by visiting the office at 49 N.W. First. St. Suite 6 in Ontario.

Money for the grant must be distributed by Dec. 31. Deadline to apply is Oct. 15.

Community In Action is also creating a waiting list for a second grant, which is being applied for through the City of Vale.