Flint, MI— Eligible Flint residents could receive up to $15,000 for home repairs or modifications to make their home more accessible under a program provided by Metro Community Development and the Federal Home Loan Bank System.
The Neighborhood Impact Program (NIP) provides up to $15,000 in grant assistance to qualified homeowners for maintenance repairs or accessibility modifications.
Funding for the program is provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis.
“Please come and apply for these grants,” Brian Glowiak, CEO of Metro Community Development said. “We’re ready, once the system opens up, we’ll be submitting these applications.
The Federal Home Loan Bank will begin accepting applications for the program on May 15, 2024, but Metro Community Development is currently working with homeowners to prepare their applications for submission.
Glowiak said the program is available to deeded homeowners, not land contract holders, and does not apply to mobile or rented homes.
Deferred maintenance repairs that would be eligible to be done under this program include: HVAC systems and cut work, well or septic systems, water heater, windows, soffit and fascia, electrical, structural repairs such as foundations or joists, sump-pump systems, siding, roof and/or chimney, gutters and downspouts, exterior doors including overhead garage, insulation or weatherization, ceiling and drywall repair due to roof failure, plumbing and basement/crawlspace waterproofing.
Accessibility and safety repairs are also available under the program, and those include: entry ramps, mold or mildew remediation, interior and exterior handrails, internal chair or wheelchair lifts, relocation of washer and dryer from basement to the main level of the home, entry stairs, levered door handles and widened doorways.
Additionally, up to $250 may be used to cover the expense of a certified professional to do a home accessibility/modification assessment.
Universal design flooring, conversion of a lower level half-bath to a full bath that would eliminate the need to go upstairs, and kitchen accessibility modifications are also available under the program, but those require an assessment from a certified professional to demonstrate the need to support access.
To qualify, eligible homeowners must have a total household income at or below 80% of the area median income. Those limitations are listed below by household size:
- 1- $44,600
- 2- $51,000
- 3- $57,350
- 4- $63,700
- 5- $68,800
- 6- $73,900
- 7- $79,000
- 8- $84,100
In 2023, Metro secured $650,000 for homeowners to get repairs done through NIP.
Funds are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applications are available at Metro’s office at 1174 Robert T. Longway Blvd., Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.