City of Irving programs designed to help homeowners

by PegNews wire

If you're looking to handle emergency repairs, air conditioner problems, home restoration or downpayment assistance, the Housing and Human Services Dept. may have something for you. (If you don't make a lot of money.)

not provided by City of Irving

This house could use some restoration.

The City of Irving would like residents to know about the range of programs designed to enhance their quality of life. These programs affect both first-time homebuyers and those who're firmly entrenched in their existing homes.

* Emergency Repair Program - Assistance is available to homeowners who have experienced an emergency condition requiring immediate attention, such as a condition that is detrimental to life, health or safety and requires immediate attention. Examples include electrical and plumbing issues

* Air Conditioner Repair and Replacement Program - The air conditioner repair and replacement grant replaces or repairs existing air conditioners for senior citizens or residents with disabilities who are without the income to make these repairs.

* Restoration Program - Assistance is provided to homeowners for home restoration through partially forgivable loans. The loans assist with repairs such as window or roof replacement, adding insulation in the attic, plumbing and electrical.

* Architectural Barrier Removal Program - The new architectural barrier removal program is a grant designed to assist seniors and or disabled persons with repairs that increase mobility and livability inside homes. Repairs include ramp and handrail installations and bathroom modifications.

* Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance - Those who want to buy a home, but need a little assistance, can obtain a deferred forgivable payment loan for the down payment and closing costs of the purchase of the home.

Says Vivian Ballou, Irving Housing and Human Services Dept. executive director: “We believe that all residents deserve a decent and suitable living environment. We strive to provide resources to meet this goal through our programs.”

So, how does the City of Irving afford such magnanimity? Well, it helps that the money to support these programs comes from federal funding. Families applying for such assistance must qualify under HUD income guidelines. (In other words, they can't have a lot of income.)

For more information (or to request an application) call the Irving Housing and Human Services Dept. at 972-721-4800.

posted by JM