The City has a substantial number of housing units of significant age, many were constructed before 1970. These homes generally provide the most affordable housing stock available to lower income households. Based on their age, these homes also are more inclined to need rehabilitation to extend their longevity and to increase their safety and livability.
The FY 2021-22 CDBG and HOME Annual Action Plan allocated $371,514 CDBG funds for the home repair program. This allocation aligns with the City’s 2017-2021 Consolidated Plan in providing decent housing for low and moderate income households with the objective to improve existing housing stock through correction of deficiencies and installation of weatherization and energy efficiency measures to reduce utility burden and decrease occupant turnover.
The City’s home repair program is designed to provide assistance to eligible homeowners for correction of health and safety deficiencies and code violations for low-income homeowners within the City. The Program provides this grant assistance (up to $25,000) that is used to pay the cost of necessary repairs that will provide the homeowner with a healthy, safe, sanitary, and code compliant home.
CDBG home repair regulations outline eligible uses of funds from interior/exterior work to energy conservation activities (such as weather-striping, caulking, glazing repairs, etc.) to security/safety improvements (such as deadbolts, security lighting, smoke detectors, etc.). HUD also outlines in-eligible home repair activities (such as luxury items, new construction activities, etc).
On August 19, 2021, the City issued Request for Proposal #21066 on www.publicpurchase.com seeking qualified firms to manage and administer the City’s Home Repair Program. This RFP closed on September 20, 2021. It was viewed by 270 number of potential responders with 5 firms downloading the proposal.
Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity (THHFH) submitted their “Home Preservation Program” proposal focused on addressing urgent home repairs for low and moderate income homeowners in the community. The program is based on the core tenant of providing a hand up to low and moderate income families and individuals in need of home repairs, which are critical for continued occupancy and to ensure safe, decent and affordable housing. It is anticipated that THHFH will be able to assist approximately 15-20 Independence homeowners.
Since 1989, THHFH has provided 131 critical home repairs in Eastern Jackson County. THHFH has administered the City’s minor home repair program for several years. Additionally, THHFH has administered the Independence Power and Light and Spire Weatherization program and the City of Raytown home repair program.