More money is available for some people who need help repairing their homes after natural disasters. The Home Repair Program operated by the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development has increased the amount of maximum lifetime grant assistance.
The lifetime maximum was previously $10,000, now it’s $36,520.
Tom Carew is the Kentucky State Director of Rural Development. He said this new maximum only applies to property owners within presidentially declared disaster areas.
“This includes the tornado-impacted communities as well as the flood-impacted communities. So that means there’s potential anyway for another $26,520 in grant money that a family could qualify for, or grant and loan combination,” said Carew.
Carew said the grants are for homes that can be repaired.
“This is an attempt on part of the Biden/Harris administration to help families impacted by flooding and whose homes aren’t totally destroyed, but have been flooded, have been mucked out, cleaned out, dried out, and are ready to be rehabilitated,” said Carew.
The grants are only available to elderly, very low-income households. The head of the house must be 62 or older. For households of one to four people, an income of up to $30,350 is considered very low income.
The home repair program also offers loans of up to $40,000 to very low-income homeowners. Carew said the loans are at one percent interest for 20 years.
