It wasn't just the expense of one repair that kept Lyle and Kathy Meeker from repairing the problems they were having with their home.

It was the total of all expenses that made starting the repairs impossible.

When Warsaw City Inspector Pam Kennedy was inspecting houses for their neighborhood association, she recommended they apply to the Warsaw Housing Authority Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program.

They jumped at the chance. Calling WHA, they found, to their surprise, that they were eligible for the program.

"We didn't think that we could qualify for it because we can meet

our day-to-day needs," said Kathy Meeker.

According to WHA administrative assistant Catharine Walker, most people do not realize they fall within the income guidelines.

Last July, the family began the process that led to securing a contract for repairs through the WHA.

The Meekers had a home inspection that listed all the needed repairs, then a cost analysis and review were conducted by the WHA and the family. When the repairs were decided on a bid form was written up and contractors attended a walk-through and submitted bids.

The rehab program made their house much more livable.

The house has a new roof, flooring, doors, an improved circuit box and wiring. Two bathrooms were remodeled.

The house was also made more easily accessible by wheelchair for the Meekers' daughter, Ruth.

A ramp was installed, several doors replaced, an easily accessible shower installed, the carpet replaced so the wheelchair would move through the house more easily, and an island was removed from the kitchen.

The Meekers' two boys, Shaun and Michal, also appreciate the improvements to the house, perhaps not quite as fully as their parents.

"We don't plan on ever moving and it is nice to know that in a few years we will have equity built on this house if we need it," said Kathy Meeker. "If a catastrophe were to hit we would be able to sell it and get the value out of it because of the improvements made," she concluded.

That improvement in equity is something that can help out the entire community, according to WHA Director Vicki Provine.

"We came home and said this is too good to be true," said Kathy Meeker. When everything passed the Meekers were asking: "What is the catch?"

According to their agreement with the WHA, the Meekers have to pay only a percentage of the loan back, based on their income.

The funds they are repaying will go into a fund that will help people who cannot attain bank loans.

Despite still having funds, the program has been effective.

"It helps individuals stay in their homes for affordable housing. It also helps the community provide safe housing and a tax base. It is pretty much a win-win situation," Provine said.

But helping people is still the focal point of the WHA's work.

"What we consider the most important, probably, is the part that made the home wheelchair accessible," Walker said. [[In-content Ad]]