Nearly $300K in repair funds will be available to Allen homeowners starting in October, thanks to the city’s management of a federal housing grant.
Allen is among thousands of cities which receive annual grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are heavily regulated and must be used to preserve and expand the supply of decent, safe and affordable housing.
Eligible Allen homeowners may receive up to $25,000 for home improvements to ensure compliance with health and safety codes. To qualify for home improvement funding, homeowners must meet income guidelines and reside within one of Allen’s five target areas: Hillside Village, Oak Hill, Collin Square, Timberbend or Windridge Estates. Urgent repair funds up to $5,000 are available for qualified homeowner’s citywide.
Erin Jones, senior planner for the City of Allen, shared details about the program at the July 25 city council meeting.
“In one case, the homeowner was wheelchair-bound and had a difficult time showering,” said Jones. “We were able to put in a wheel-in shower and have heard great feedback from them.”
Homeowners who meet the program’s income guidelines may apply for urgent repair funding regardless of their address. During a three-week period this summer, ten Allen homeowners received urgent repair funds to fix failing A/C units.
Jones says home improvement cases are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on the severity of the need, urgent repairs may rise to the top of the list.
“We want to see this money go where we believe it makes the greatest impact,” said Jones.
The City of Allen also distributes a portion of the CDBG funding to public service agencies which encourage housing stability and prevent homelessness. In 2017, Allen Community Outreach will receive $51,000 to provide qualifying Allen residents with rent and utility assistance.
Learn more about the Home Repair Assistance Program.