Applicants sought for low-income housing program

Submitted by Casscounty1 on
By Bobby Horn Jr.
 
LINDEN-- The City of Linden is seeking homeowners who could benefit from a state program that replaces homes for low-income families in need.
Applications are now being accepted for the The HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
“The purpose of the HOME Program is to expand the supply of decent, safe and affordable housing for low-income households,” said Kathy Boyles, with the City of Linden. “The program provides funds to demolish substandard housing and build a new home on the same site.” 
Boyles said that in order to qualify for the program  homeowners must live in a substandard home, reside within the city limits of Linden, own their own home, be current on their property taxes, have no liens or encumbrances on their property, and have an income at or below 60 percent of the area median income. 
Income limits are based on the size of the family. For example, the maximum income for a single-person family is $29,350. For a family of four, the maximum income is $41,900 annually. The maximum allowed income goes up to $52,000 for a family of seven.
“There is no cost to the homeowner to participate in the HOME Program,” Boyles said. “The assistance is provided in the form of a five-year conditional grant or a 15-year deferred forgivable loan, depending on the homeowner’s circumstances. If the homeowner sells their home within that time period, they must repay a portion of the cost of the home. After that time period, the grant or loan is forgiven.”
Unlike programs like Habitat for Humanity, homeowners are not required to assist in the physical building of the new home as demolition and construction of the new structure is done by professional contractors.
Boyles said that once they have a group of qualified applicants they apply for a state grant to build the homes. There is no guarantee that the city, once it applies for the grant, will receive any funds.
This year the city received enough grant funds to pay for five new houses. With these secured, new applicants are needed.
Construction of the new homes is expected to begin this summer, she added.
Applications for the HOME program are available at Linden City Hall, located at 104 S. Main Street. Applicants who complete an application and provide all necessary documentation will be contacted for an interview and verification of information, Boyles said.
Rate this article: 
No votes yet