Clark County applying for $400K federal grant to repair homes

The money would help low-income homeowners do property rehab, roofing or other work.


By the Numbers

CHIP grant funding declining

approximately $20 million — 2016

$23.5 million — 2015

$26.8 million — 2014

$25.6 million — 2013

Source: Office of Community Development

2014 - $26.8 million

2013 - $25.6 million

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Clark County Community Development is applying for $400,000 in federal funds to provide low- and moderate- income families assistance with home repairs and other needs.

But funding for the Community Housing Improvement Program is down more than 25 percent since 2014.

Clark County Department of Development coordinator Tom Hale said his office is seeking the funds for New Carlisle and the townships and villages located outside the city of Springfield.

“It’s rehabilitation and repair money. A portion of it will be if someone needs a total rehabilitation of a house or they need a furnace or a roof or they have other problems,”Hale said.

The program covers plumbing, roof and furnace repairs, lead based paint reduction, and also aids with other structural issues. People with disabilities who need ramps or have other accessibility needs can also receive assistance through the program, officials have said.

CHIP is funded through the Ohio Department of Development, which communities can apply for every other year.

Clark County was awarded $492,800 in 2010 and $400,000 in 2013.

Officials used the funds in 2013 to rehabilitate six homes and repair 12 throughout the county.

Penny Martin, a spokeswoman for the state’s Office of Community Development, said the state expects to have approximately $20 million to allocate to communities that apply this year.

Applications are due May 6.

In 2014, the state allocated $26.8 million and received 56 applications for funding.

Hale said the funding is needed for struggling families who cannot afford to do repairs on their homes.

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