Commission Hears About Home Rehab Program

bhcityhall2-5
bhcityhall2-5

There’s plenty going on lately at the Benton Harbor Community Development Department. This week, city commissioners learned more about the HUD-funded home rehabilitation program, now back in action. Community Development Director Stephanie Scott-Sims told them it pays for home repairs for low and moderate income property owners.

“The overall goal is to make necessary repairs to make the housing structure free of health and safety hazards,” Sims said.

Sims noted there are two types of loans. They are for emergency repairs up to $5,000, and more long-term repairs up to $25,000.

“Repairs that are eligible under this program include lead-based paint removal, asbestos remediation, roof, window replacement, electrical and plumbing, larger rehab items,” Sims said.

For years, the city wasn’t using its HUD Community Development Block Grant funds for home rehabs, and now it has a waiting list for them. More than $70,000 in those repairs are being done this year. Anyone who wants more information should call city hall and ask for Sims.