Councilmembers Fund Home Repair Programs to Strengthen Neighborhoods
For Immediate Release
July 2, 2014
For More Information:
John Ivanic, City Council, 645-6798
A home can be a family’s most important investment, and properly maintained homes can help create strong, stable neighborhoods. But when houses fall into disrepair, they become a financial drag for owners and a blighting influence in our communities. That is why Columbus City Council is investing $3.5 million this year in four home repair programs funded by Councilmembers to maintain decent and safe housing in Columbus neighborhoods. All four programs are now accepting applications.
Three of the programs target specific neighborhoods while one, the Better Municipal Care for Veterans program, is a citywide initiative to support those who have served in the military. All of the programs are designed to help homeowners make needed repairs to improve the safety and livability of their properties:
• The James Johnson Home Repair Program, funded by a $1,000,000 capital budget amendment from Councilmember Priscilla Tyson and named after the late East Side community leader, will assist homeowners in the Hanford Village, Old Oaks, and Driving Park neighborhoods, where Mr. Johnson worked so tirelessly to improve the lives of residents.
• The Linden Home Repair Program, made possible by a $1,000,000 capital budget amendment from Councilmember Michelle Mills, will provide financial assistance for home improvements to eligible homeowners in the Linden area.
• The Hilltop Home Repair Program, created in 2013 by Councilmember Zach Klein, will award a total of up to $1,000,000 this year in grants to homeowners in the Hilltop. The Department of Development’s Housing Division will partner with Homes on the Hill CDC to market the Hilltop program, identify potential grant recipients and coordinate the application process.
• The Better Municipal Care for Veterans Program will continue to help veterans in our community thanks to a $500,000 investment sponsored by Councilmember and U. S. Army veteran Hearcel Craig.
The Department of Development is now accepting applications for all four programs. For more information, call 645-8526 and leave a name and daytime phone number or email [email protected].
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