Beginning Oct. 1, eligible Collin Square and Timber Bend homeowners can apply for home repair funding through Allen’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The federally-funded program helps expand the supply of safe and affordable housing and educate potential buyers about home ownership. Allen has received CDBG funding for the last decade.
Previously, home repair and rehabilitation funding was limited to three Allen neighborhoods: Windridge, Oak Hill and Hillside Village. Expanding access to the grant will allow more neighborhoods to benefit from major rehab work. Allen has allotted $239,750 for home repair projects in 2015-2016.
CDBG funding also covers the cost of urgent repairs, such as air conditioning repairs, for Allen homeowners with low to moderate income. These homeowners can apply for urgent repair funds, even if they live outside the CDBG’s five targeted neighborhoods.
“If your A/C goes out or it’s just not working right, just walk into our office and we’ll try to get you taken care of by the end of the week,” said Patrick Blaydes, planner for the City of Allen.
The CDBG funding will also provide $43,500 in emergency rent and utility assistance to Allen residents, administered through Allen Community Outreach. In 2013-2014, this funding helped cover rent or utility payments for 133 Allen residents. The remaining $10,000 in grant funding will cover administrative costs, including the costs of new home buyer education classes held in partnership with the cities of Frisco, Plano and McKinney.
City council members unanimously approved the planned use of 2015-2016 CDBG funds during the council meeting on July 14. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development must approve the plan before funds are distributed.