CLEVELAND – Applications for Cleveland’s ARPA-funded home repair programs are now open to Cleveland residents.
Applications are possible until Wednesday, August 28th, 5:00 p.m.
In 2023, Cleveland allocated $10 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for citywide home repair programs, with an additional $5 million to accelerate neighborhood revitalization through home repair. The city also received a $2.5 million grant from KeyBank last August to support investments in the programs.
“For the past 11 months, we have worked diligently behind the scenes to lay the foundation for the success of these important programs,” Mayor Justin M. Bibb said in a press release. “We know the need is great, and we are committed to making the most of these resources and working with partners to improve the quality of housing in Cleveland more quickly.”
To apply, homeowners can fill out an online form to start the pre-approval process for help with repairs, maintenance and renovations to their home.
The Department of Community Development will review applications to determine eligibility, but due to high demand for the programs, only 150 eligible applicants will be selected through a lottery system. City officials say this is to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of projects.
Applicants must be the owner and resident of the property with current property taxes. City staff cannot process applications in person or over the phone.
So far, the city has awarded grants to five nonprofit organizations, including Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity, CHN Housing Partners, Cleveland Restoration Society, Local Initiatives Support Corporation Cleveland and Community Housing Solutions, to administer loans and grants to help low-income residents make repairs.
The organizations will each run their own programs and receive pre-qualified projects through the city’s application and lottery process.
“Council members hear from residents every day about their urgent need for funds to maintain their homes,” City Council President Blaine Griffin said in a press release. “Addressing the housing crisis has always been a priority for Cleveland City Council. From the lead protection ordinance to the home repair assistance we support to the right to counsel, we have been committed to providing quality housing options.”
Generally, the home repair programs offer loans and grants up to $30,000 for roofing, HVAS, exterior damage and similar work. The city handles the initial intake and assigns qualified applicants to the best program for them due to varying program rules.
As of August 15, 27 properties awaiting city home repair programs have been processed through Habitat for Humanity and Community Housing Solutions. An additional 33 waitlisted properties are undergoing repairs or have a contract in place.
“We know the need is greater than the money we have and that not everyone will receive assistance this time, so we implemented the lottery process to ensure all eligible applications have an equal chance of being selected,” said Cleveland’s Director of Community Development Alyssa Hernandez. “In addition, we are actively working to increase our capacity both internally and with contractors to expedite federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help Cleveland residents repair their homes.”
In addition, 150 homeowners from the Southeastern United States were invited to pre-qualify for ARPA home repair assistance based on Cleveland’s citywide survey of the condition of their properties and their location in the investment area.
Officials expect the process of verifying eligibility and notifying those selected through the lottery process to be completed by September 30, 2024.
