Housing Preservation Program

Applications will be taken on a first come, first serve basis and applications will be date and time stamped.

Funds from the USDA’s Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) will provide up to $6,000 in repair or renovation costs.

USDA-Housing-Preservation-Program-Application-Updated-9-29-2021

EPA-Protect-Your-Family-from-Lead-In-Your-Home-020718

All applications need to be sent to: Disability Options Network’s Housing Department, 831 Harrison Street, New Castle, PA 16101

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Own the home for at least one year prior to application and occupy the home.
  2. Homeowner must intend to occupy the dwelling subsequent to repairs being made.
  3. Home must be located in a rural area in Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington, Westmoreland and Armstrong Counties.
  4. Homeowner or household member must have a disability.
  5. Homeowner must have exhausted all other funding resources.
  6. Household income must meet the very low (Very low income will receive at least 80% of program funds) or low income limit guidelines.
  7. Home repairs or renovations must remove or correct health or safety hazards, to comply with applicable development standards or codes, or to make needed repairs to improve the general living conditions of the home, including reducing overcrowding.

Repairs/ Renovations

Repairs and renovations to homes will include, but will not be limited to: (1) the installation and/or repair of sanitary water and waste disposal systems to meet local health department requirements; (2) the installation of energy conservation materials such as insulation and storm windows and doors; (3) the repair or replacement of heating systems; (4) the repair of electrical wiring systems; (5) the repair of structural supports and foundations; (6) the repair or replacement of the roof; (7) the repair of deteriorated siding, porches, or stoops; (8) the alteration of a home’s interior to provide greater accessibility for a family member with a disability; and (9) additions to the property that are necessary to alleviate overcrowding or to remove health hazards to the occupants.

Repairs to manufactured homes or mobile homes will be considered if (1) the recipient owns the home and site, and has occupied the home on that site for at least one year, and (2) the home is on a permanent foundation or will be put on a permanent foundation with the funds to be received through the program. DON will consider funding up to 25% for improvements that do not contribute to the health, safety, or well-being of the occupants; or materially contribute to the long-term preservation of the unit. These improvements may include painting, paneling, carpeting, air conditioning, and improving closets and kitchen cabinets.

 

Required Documentation

  1. Verification of total household income for all individuals living at the address: acceptable proofs of income:  1 month of pay stubs, Social Security Statement(s), Social Services Benefit Statement(s), Income Tax Statement(s), Food Stamps, Rental Income, most recent federal income tax return with W-2’s.
  2. Deed to land OR title to mobile home and deed to lot.
  3. Current paid Property tax bill (please specify if paid by monthly mortgage).
  4. Current homeowner’s insurance policy declaration/premium page.
  5. Most recent bank statements; checking and savings accounts.

 

Additional terms and conditions may apply.

This is an equal opportunity program. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law. This grant will be provided to eligible homeowners without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, familial status, or disability.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information or assistance with filling out this application should contact our office by telephone (724) 652-5144, Fax (724) 856-8973, or TTY/VP (724) 652-5152.

*Matched funds will include, but will not be limited to: monetary donations from agencies, organizations, churches, and government entities; donations of materials from businesses or other entities (leveraged funds = value of donations); volunteer hours from trade schools, trade unions, volunteer housing rehabilitation groups, etc. (Value of labor will be [hours X $20 = value of labor); homeowner contributions; and any other contributions of value.