April 27, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City Accepting Applications For Home
Improvement Repair Grant Lottery
DECATUR - The City of Decatur has begun accepting applications for what is expected to be more than $2 million in federal funding for home improvement programs for low to moderate income residents to be distributed as part of the city’s Neighborhood Redevelopment Rehab lottery.
Residents may apply for the Rehabilitation Lottery now through 5 p.m. Friday, May 15, which among other things can help with roof and window replacement, doors, insulation or new furnaces for owner-occupied structures. Funding will be provided as grants, meaning that qualified recipients who are selected will not be required to make any payments.
Lottery forms are available at the City of Decatur’s Department of Economic and Urban Development located on the third floor of the Decatur Civic Center. Residents should be aware that applying for lottery does not guarantee that assistance will be received. Recipients will be selected once the application process closes.
“During the public meetings we held last fall the public talked about wanting more funding allocated to owner-occupied structures and about having more flexibility in our application process,” said City Manager Ryan McCrady. “This year, instead of applying for specific programs, residents will indicate what type of work they need most and, if the resident’s name is drawn and the person qualifies, we will determine which programs will best fit the need.
“In the past, if you applied for a specific program and were not accepted, you might have missed out on other possible funding opportunities.”
Recipient requirements include:
- Home must be in the city limits and not up for sale.
- Home must be a single-family residence (not an apartment). Mobile homes are not eligible.
- Applicant must be head of household and owner-occupant of the property for a minimum of one (1) year. Proof of ownership and occupancy will be required. “Land Sales Contracts” (Contract for Deed) are not eligible.
- Home should not be in foreclosure status.
- Ameren bill must not be at “pink slip” (shut off) status.
- Homeowners cannot have City liens and/or outstanding accounts with the City of Decatur i.e. loans, demolitions, water bills, parking tickets, weed/trash liens, etc.
- Project must pass Construction Rehabilitation Specialist’s inspection and be “feasible” or “do-able”
- You must fall within income guidelines for persons 18 and over living in the home.
- Property must be free of infestation.
Income guidelines are as follows:
| Family Size | Maximum Income |
| 1 | $33,200 |
| 2 | $37,950 |
| 3 | $42,700 |
| 4 | $47,450 |
| 5 | $51,250 |
| 6 | $55,050 |
| 7 | $58,850 |
| 8 | $62,650 |
Persons interested in receiving funding should call 424-2797 for more information. For more information on this release contact Billy Tyus at 424-2753.