County has funds available for home improvements

CENTREVILLE – St. Joseph County has nearly $40,000 to offer anyone in need of home improvements.

And, according to finance director Angie Steinman, there are circumstances under which repayment is not necessary.

Steinman said it’s an offer that may sound too good to be true.

“There are some stipulations, of course, but I’m surprised by the lack of response,” Steinman said.

Overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Emergency Repair Program allows county residents with legitimate home-repair needs up to $2,500 with no obligation to repay.

Steinman said a consultant is in charge of handling requests.

“If a family were to maybe need a roof repair or something small that could be deemed an emergency, they don’t have to pay it back if it’s under $2,500,” she said. “We have a consultant who oversees the process, from finding a contractor to completing the work. Once the work is done, we handle payment directly.”

For services in excess of $2,500, the family receiving the help has to pay it back – interest free – when the property changes title, Steinman said.

“So, if they pass away or when they sell the house – it could be 20 years from now – they can just roll the amount owed into the sale if they want, but if it’s more than $2,500, that has to be paid back before the property changes hands,” Steinman said.

Details about the Emergency Repair Program are available on the county’s website. Steinman indicated she plans to work with the county’s IT department in hopes of putting program details in a prominent spot on its website.

Some things to know about the offer: St. Joseph County residents only are eligible to participate; an application must be completed; income must be at or below 80% of the area’s median income; and property taxes must not be delinquent, to name a few.

The county in 2021 had similarly administered funds through the Emergency Repair Program. Steinman said 16 families were aided.

She explained how the county found itself in a position to offer the funds.

“We’re able to offer these funds now because of repayments from previous loans. For instance, if we provided a $15,000 loan for a roof repair years ago and the property is sold, that money is returned to the program,” Steinman said. “When we accumulate more than $35,000 within the 12-month measurement period, we either need to return it to the state or reinvest it in our community – and we’d much rather keep those funds local.”

Steinman said funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

More information is available through Steinman’s office: 467-5631.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: St. Joseph County has funds available for home improvements