Homeowners in Cleveland have until August 21 to apply for help with repairs or maintenance on their homes.
The city this week launched an online application program — in English and Spanish — that it will use to verify applicants’ eligibility for several programs that offer grants or low- or no-interest loans to residents who can’t afford necessary maintenance or repairs. In most cases, only one major repair will be covered.
The Department of Community Development will review applications and select winners through a lottery to ensure equitable distribution of projects, a news release said. Selected homeowners should be notified by the end of September.
Link: Cleveland’s Universal Application for Home Repair Programs.
How do I know if I qualify?
You need to own and live in your home, and you must not have any unpaid property taxes. You must also provide proof that your home is insured.
The programs are targeted at residents the city considers low-income. Generally, this includes households with incomes of $74,702 or less, although this varies by program.
This is a “universal” application, so questions about renting may arise, but they are not specific to this program.
What do I need to apply?
The application can only be completed online. City staff cannot assist individuals completing the application over the phone.
Have the following ready before you begin:
After you submit the application, the city will email you asking for the following documents. You can submit cell phone photos of documents as long as they are legible.
- State identification, such as an Ohio ID or driver’s license, for everyone in the home who is 18 years of age or older.
- A utility bill. This can be electricity, gas, sewage, garbage collection or water.
- Home insurance explanation page.
- Photos of necessary repairs
- A copy of a “zero income declaration” for each adult who does not declare income.
How does Cleveland pay for it?
Mayor Justin Bibb and the City Council allocated $10 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for citywide home repairs, and KeyBank provided the city with $2.5 million. Officials approved another $5 million for repairs and renovations on the city’s southeast side and invited the owners of 150 homes to apply. (This includes the Lee-Harvard, Union-Miles and Mount Pleasant neighborhoods.)
Who would carry out the repairs?
The city has entered into agreements with five nonprofit organizations that will run the programs, which include grants and loans for home repairs. They are: Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity, CHN Housing Partners, Cleveland Restoration Society, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Cleveland and Community Housing Solutions. Based on the applications, the city will match lottery winners with nonprofit organizations. Each of these organizations has its own process for working with home repair and renovation companies.
If I qualify, how much money can I get for repairs?
It depends. Each program is different. In general, the city says programs can offer grants or loans worth up to $30,000 for projects including roof repairs and replacements, upgrading heating and cooling systems and fixing building code violations.
