Everything you need to know about Galesburg’s housing repair program. Do you qualify?

GALESBURG — City of Galesburg residents can now apply for grant assistance up to $4,500 for qualified projects through a new housing repair assistance program.

Here is everything you need to know about the Housing Repair Assistance Program for OwnerOccupied Single Family Residences, according to Director of Community Development Steve Gugliotta:

What are the qualifications in order to apply for the assistance?

• Single family owner occupied residence, with proof of ownership

• Water/sewer/refuse account must not be delinquent

• No liens or other encumbrances on the property

• Provide at least 2 estimates from different contractors for the work

• Proof of property insurance

• Household income shall not exceed the annual income limits established by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development, for 2022 those are shown below:

1 $42,500

2 $48,600

3 $54,650

4 $60,700

5 $65,600

6 $70,450

7 $75,300

8 $80,150

2022 annual income limits established by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development

In addition, there are asset limits:

• Non-elderly, non-disable applicants must not have liquid assets in excess of $5,000.

• Elderly or person with disabilities (head of household) must not have liquid assets in excess of $10,000.

Who selects the recipients

All applications will be reviewed by the Community Development Department to assure they meet the program guidelines. Funded projects are subject to availability of funds. There is a maximum of $4,500 of assistance per applicant and a total of $112,500 in the budget FY 2022.

Will there be enforcement to make sure the money is used for home improvements?

Applicants must provide estimates from licensed/registered contractors. Work requiring permits will be inspected. When the work is complete, both the property owner and contractor must sign and submit a certificate that work was completed, along with invoices and lien waivers. The housing coordinator for the city of Galesburg is responsible for assuring applicants meet program guidelines.

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Grant funds will not be paid out to the contractor until after the work has been completed.

What can the grant money be used for?

Grant funds may be used for items such as:

• A new ramp or private sidewalk to remedy barriers that restrict mobility and accessibility;

• Demolition of unsafe accessory garages and storage sheds less than 1,000 square feet on a slab;,

• Repair of unsafe exterior porches, decks, steps;

• Replacement of a main exterior door facing a public way; minor roof repairs when a 5-year leak free warranty is available from an Illinois licensed roofing company;

• Repair or replacement of gutters and/or downspouts;

• HVAC equipment over 15 years old that can not be repaired to a condition having a life expectancy of at least 5 years;

• Repair unsafe electrical issues or deficiencies

• Installation of GFCI and ArcFault receptacles

• Repairs and/or replacement necessary to bring the system into a safe, sanitary and functional condition free of obstructions, leaks and defects and in accordance with the current Illinois State Plumbing law;

Contractor estimates should contain a statement on an assumed start and completion date.

How and when can a person apply, and when will the money start being distributed?

Housing coordinator Judy Guenseth will be putting out a press release, making documents available on the city website and reaching out to local non-profit agencies and banks over the next week.

This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: What to know about Galesburg, IL new housing repair assistance program