Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Warsaw Housing Authority Owner-Occupied Rehab Program has money to loan to low-income home owners in Warsaw.
But the time limit on the grant is running out.
The grant for the program allows the WHA to contract clients through June. So far, eight homes have been completed in Warsaw, with four more being rehabbed currently. And more funds are available.
But what does a rehab entail?
The answer depends on your needs.
"When we say rehab many people may think that they have to have something major done," said Vicki Provine, WHA executive director. But the repairs don't have to be extensive.
"It could be a furnace. It could be handicap accessibility. It could be a new roof," said Provine.
Some of the rehabs have been substantial - replacing foundations or demolitions of additions that could not be saved. Some have been as simple as replacing a door that won't lock.
"(A rehab loan) is available for a lot of uses; we don't have to go in and redo the whole house," Provine said.
Contracts have been issued from $7,000 to $25,000. Smaller projects are possible, the housing authority advises.
The program has helped single mothers, the elderly, single-person households and families. It has been used by people all over Warsaw.
In its efforts to inform the community, WHA has spoken to senior citizens and other groups, trying to encourage participation, said Catharine Walker, administrative assistant at the WHA. The program is for anyone who falls within income guidelines within the city limits.
Despite these and other community efforts, low-interest and partially forgivable loans are still available.
The client may have to take out a second mortgage. But the program is flexible, with all decisions made by the homeowner in conjunction with WHA and the contractor.
The family doesn't have to make all the improvements the inspection suggests, only those that are safety hazards take precedence.
"People hear about the program in all different ways," said Walker. She said some are referred by Pam Kennedy, Warsaw city inspector.
Kennedy explains that anything can happen with an existing home that a buyer may not be aware of. A previously owned home may have saftey issues the rehab loans could correct.
"They may be on a limited income and need replacement windows for energy purposes, or their furnace might be getting older or their roof might need repairs," Kennedy said.
Lots of times people have housing problems they believe are not valid. They may need only a water heater fixed, she said.
Interested homeowners are required to complete an application with the WHA. The housing authority can be reached at 269-7641.
