Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Looking for a cure for what ails your house?
Housing Opportunities of Warsaw may just have the prescription you need.
In the latest owner-occupied rehabilitation project, grants are available to homeowners countywide for repairs and modifications to afford better access for the elderly and disabled.
During a Warsaw Housing Authority meeting this week, WHA Executive Director Laura Kaufman told members of the agency's board of the commissioners that few people have applied for funds through the program. HOW is a sister agency to the housing authority, with which it shares office space.
Home Rxemedies is a program to provide grants and low-interest loans to homeowners to make their homes safe and fully accessible. To qualify, you must own (or be buying) your own home, your home must be in Kosciusko County and your family must meet the following income limits: one person, gross yearly income of less than $33,550; two people, less than $38,350; three people, less than $43,150; four people, less than $47,900; five people, less than $51,750; six people, less than $55,600; seven people, less than $59,400; eight people, less than $63,250.
Qualified recipients must agree to continue to live in their homes for 10 years after the repairs are made if the project amount is more than $15,000 (five years if less than $15,000).
Possible repairs/improvements include wheelchair ramps, rails and grab bars and handicapped-accessible bathrooms. Other repairs, such as rewiring of electrical systems, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
A total of $145,000 in funding is available, and Kaufman estimates 20 homes can be repaired before the grant expires in mid-2003. Home Rxemedies is made possible through the support of Kosciusko 21st Century Foundation and Indiana Housing Finance Authority.
Thus far, only two homeowners have sought funds.
Home Rxemedies is one of several housing rehabilitation grants administered by HOW and/or WHA during the past several years. Two grants - one for Warsaw homeowners and one in Pierceton - closed in February; projects are under way in Winona Lake for grants for residents there; and client intake recently began for a second round of applications for assistance at Pierceton.
For more information on any of the owner-occupied rehabilitation programs or to receive an application for the Home Rxemedies grant money, visit the Housing Opportunities of Warsaw office at 827 S. Union St., Suite 230, Warsaw, or call 269-7641.
