Repair grants are available for major repairs.
Home Repair Resource Center (HRRC) has a Financial Assistance Program that can help Heights homeowners with needed repairs to their homes. HRRC offers grants and loans to qualified homeowners.
A homeowner can receive a $1,000 grant toward whole-house exterior painting, masonry step rebuilding, a new heating system or a roof replacement. HRRC offers a $1,500 grant towards furnace replacement or roof replacement for senior citizens who are 62 years old or older.
There are income guidelines for homeowners that must be met to be eligible for the program. For example, the maximum household income for a family of four is $50,950. There are also a few rules about the types of repairs that qualify. HRRC handles these on a case-by-case basis, and anyone can call or stop by to get clarification.
HRRC also has a Challenge Fund that does not have income restrictions. The fund enables homeowners who can’t qualify for a conventional home repair loan to obtain bank financing. The Challenge Fund is offered on a case-by-case basis, but is designed to make it possible for homeowners with credit or equity issues to complete needed repairs.
Even if a homeowner doesn’t need financial assistance, HRRC can be a valuable first stop for those who want to complete a home repair on their own or to contract the work. HRRC’s resource library has handouts and DVDs, as well as evaluations of contractors who have worked on homes in the community. There are hands-on workshops, informational lectures, budget and credit counseling, and foreclosure intervention services. These resources are open to all Cuyahoga County resident.
As HRRC marks its 40th anniversary as a grassroots nonprofit organization, it celebrates the critical role that its programs continue to play in maintaining the community’s housing stock. HRRC takes pride in its ability to work with all homeowners and their repair needs.
For more information on HRRC programs, call 216-381-6100, visit www.hrrc-ch.org, or stop by the office, located at 2520 Noble Road in Cleveland Heights, two blocks north of Monticello Boulevard. For up-to-date information on events and workshops, "Like" HRRC’s Facebook page or follow it on Twitter.
Allison Urbanek
Allison Urbanek is the financial programs coordinator at Home Repair Resource Center and enjoys working one-on-one with residents to solve their home repair problems.