Indiana is one state that really believes that improving the economy begins with efforts right within the state. The state’s policy is that everybody should get a chance to live in a pleasant and safe home within a good community. The Indiana Home Improvement Grant Program was established to help people of different ages meet these goals.
Besides grants, state organizations can also put residents in touch with lenders, community organizations, and state services that can help. Many programs are directed at senior citizens, disabled people, and people with low incomes. However, some grant and loan programs help people with moderate incomes too. Why not see what home improvement programs that you might qualify for right away?
What Is The IHCDA?
You might be very interested in the generous grant programs. These grants are from the IHCDA, and they allow up to $25,000 for homeowners to make improvements that can fix structural or quality problems with a house. By the way, IHCDA stands for the Indiana and Housing Community Development Authority.
This state organization exists to create and improve local housing opportunities, help preserve asset values, and revitalize local neighborhoods. The organization’s work helps Indianans live in safe and comfortable housing, and it also helps local companies create jobs and prosperity. By helping people with limited resources, it actually generates more resources for all residents of the state.
One goal of the organization is to eliminate homelessness. Part of this is accomplished through providing affordable housing for homeless people. However, another part of it is accomplished by making sure that people who already own or rent housing can stay in their own homes. There are programs for seniors and families who do not have the means to make necessary improvements to their existing housing.
Another goal of the program is to improve the economy. These grants are spent with local companies who do the repairs. Not only does this help improve property values and neighborhoods, it also generates more work for local repair and construction companies. Hopefully, this money will also get cycled back into the Indiana economy, and this will make life better for everybody.
How To Get Approved For Indiana Home Improvement Grants
The home owner has to demonstrate that the problems an existing home have could make it unsafe, unhealthy, or even just uncomfortable to live in. The money is supposed to be used to complete repairs to resolve these issues. Many grants are for people with low incomes, and the emphasis is to provide grants to senior citizens and disabled people.
Some examples of qualifying issues could be foundation problems, broken heating or air conditioning units, or a damaged roof. Of course, these issues cannot be payable from other sources like a home insurance policy.
For energy improvement, the grants may also work with other sources of assistance that concentrate on improving the natural environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Of course, energy improvement projects also have the added benefit of making houses more comfortable to live in and reducing power bills!
Examples of Indiana Home Improvement Assistance
These are some examples of grants and assistance programs in the state:
* Energy Savings: Improvements made to help homes become more energy efficient will help homeowners save money on their power bills and live more comfortably in their homes. In the bigger picture, they also mean that existing power generation stations do not have to work as hard or generate as may greenhouse gas emissions.
* Foreclosure prevention: Nobody likes seeing a rash of home foreclosures because they usually just lead to vacant houses, more homelessness, and problems for state residents and financial institutions.
* Predatory lending help: If you have been a victim of illegal predatory lending schemes, you are not alone. The Office of the Attorney General of Indiana wants to know about it and bring you help.
* Owner occupied repair. While the grants may give homeowners money to make needed repairs, this program connects homeowners with local organizations that can bring the repairs to your home. For example, some organizations will bring in volunteers or participating sponsors to build wheelchair ramps on houses with disabled people or seniors living inside.
The HUD Home Improvement Database
Do you need to make repairs or improvements to your house? You can use the Hud Home Improvement Database to find help. The listings include available grant programs, lenders, and organizations that are willing, able, and even eager to get out and improve Indiana homes for people who are unable to do it all by themselves.
Who To Call For Information About Qualifying For Help With Home Improvement
Here’s an easy thing to remember. If you need help or have questions, simply dial 2-1-1 to connect with a phone system that can direct you to the right agencies and resources to find the help you need. By dialing 2-1-1 within Indiana, you are taking the first step to getting the help you need to repair your house. If you are online, you can also access information by searching for the Indiana 211 website.
This partnership does not just maintain a phone system and a website. It also maintains local offices that is staffed by people who are eager to help senior citizens, low income residents, and disabled people the help that they need to establish or maintain a comfortable and safe home.
Keep Indiana Safe And Secure
If you need help qualifying for Indiana home improvement grants or other services, you should not hesitate. Get started by calling 2-1-1, finding the Indiana 2-1-1 website, or visiting a local office. By finding and taking the help that you need, you can help yourself by getting repairs made to make your house the comfortable environment that you deserve.
However, you also help the state by helping to preserve your home’s asset value, improving your neighborhood, and improving the entire state. These programs usually also provide work for businesses in the state, so they are good for the overall economy.