A Tennessee Housing Development Agency representative was in town recently to formally present Warren County Executive Herschel Wells and McMinnville Mayor Jimmy Haley with checks totaling $750,000 for homeowner rehabilitation projects.
“This grant gives low-income and elderly residents an affordable avenue to do upgrades on substandard housing,” said Haley. “This program improves the value of homes and adds to the quality of life for those who can least afford it.”
Wells agrees and added, “We are very appreciative for receiving this grant that has been provided to the citizens of Warren County. What it does is provide home repairs for qualifying citizens and we very much appreciate what this grant will mean to them.”
THDA is providing $375,000 to the county and $375,000 to the city, which will be used to assist up to 20 households with repairs. The money comes from a federally funded HOME program that promotes preservation and rehabilitation of housing for households of low income. THDA administers the federally funded HOME program on behalf of the state.
“Residents here and across the state will benefit from the repairs conducted through this program,” said Ralph M. Perrey, THDA executive director. “We believe everyone should have a safe place to lay their head at night, and the HOME program will make that dream a reality for more Tennesseans.”
HOME is the largest federal block grant devoted exclusively for expanding affordable housing opportunities to households of low income. The HOME program’s flexible guidelines allow individual grantees to design and implement programs targeting a specific need or priority. Since 1992, THDA has utilized over $300 million in HOME funds to construct or rehabilitate over 10,500 affordable housing units.
Both the city and county applied for the grant through the Upper Cumberland Development District.
"I thank the UCDD for their assistance in the grant process,” said Haley. “It is a win-win initiative for everyone involved. I can’t wait to see the results.”
UCDD will arrange a public meeting for interested homeowners who want learn more about the grant. Applications will be available at the meeting. Applicants are scored based on need and income, among several other criteria, and a priority list generated from those who qualify. Qualified homeowners could receive up to $40,000 in free repairs to their home.
More information about the HOME program in Tennessee is available at www.THDA.org.