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Home Repair Grants For Lower Income SCV Residents

In Santa Clarita, just because as person has a low income doesn’t mean they have to live in a home with broken gates, peeling paint and the like. That’s because, as part of its residential and property rehabilitation programs, the city has $175,000 available in grants for low- to moderate-income residents in need of various repairs. Implemented to keep homes and yards habitable and on par with community standards, typical fixes include roof repair or replacement, flooring and window repair, exterior and interior painting and alterations for disabled access. “The better our community looks, more people are going to live work and recreate here, the more likely businesses are going to locate here,” Erin Moore-Lay, Santa Clarita Housing Program administrator said. “There will be higher property values. It will make it a more desirable place to live.” Applications for the next installment of the program will be accepted until June 30, 2008, or until funds run out. To qualify for either the residential rehabilitation program or the property rehabilitation program, applicants must own a Santa Clarita home and reside in it as their primary residence. Moreover, an applicant’s annual household income must be at or below 80 percent of the median household income for Los Angeles County. That means an eligible four-member household would need to have an annual income of $59,200 or less to qualify. In addition to keeping a steady stream of businesses, visitors and newcomers in the city, Moore-Lay believes that well-maintained homes play a role in instilling community pride. “It causes everyone to care more,” she said. “It helps maintain community standards. Property rehabilitation especially addresses all of the visuals,from exterior walks and fences and gates to patio covers to trimming overly large trees. What happens with deferred maintenance, which is when people put off doing things to their home because they can’t afford it, is that it affects the attitude of everyone else in the community. It becomes a vicious cycle.” The rehabilitation programs kicked off in 2001 and have grown to meet an expanding pool of residents each year. Janice Bowyer and Diane Brandon are two residents who have utilized and benefited from the programs. When Bowyer recently divorced after 20 years of marriage, she found herself cash-strapped and unable to pay for some much-needed repairs. “I’ve been dealing with a lot of debt,” she explained. “Last year they replaced my patio. They also replaced my hot water heater and painted. It’s been terrific.” Brandon is disabled and lives in a mobile home park for senior citizens. Two years ago, she was told she needed a new roof. “I absolutely had no money,” she recalled. After applying for funds through Santa Clarita’s rehabilitation program, the city came to her aid. “They gave me a new roof, new ceiling panels, and a tub surround,” she said. “They put in a center beam in my floor, insulation, a new swamp cooler.” And that’s not all. Last year, the city repaired Brandon’s outdoor deck. She was so pleased with the results that she urged a neighbor to apply as well. The neighbor ended up with new carpet, a new swamp cooler and a paint job, according to Brandon. Both Bowyer and Brandon intend to apply soon for more funds to make repairs that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford. “They’ve been wonderful,” Bowyer said of City of Santa Clarita officials. “I think it’s tremendous for people who are on a low income, who can’t really afford to do repairs. It’s a wonderful program. For them to be helping me, I’m truly grateful.” For more information on Santa Clarita’s residential and property rehabilitation programs, call (661) 286-4156.

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