State Rep. Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta) announced this week that Hocking Athens Perry Community Action will receive $300,000 in state grant money to help low- and moderate-income homeowners in Southeast Ohio make essential repairs to their homes.
The funding comes from a $6.8 million statewide award announced by the Ohio Department of Development, which will support housing repairs and down payment assistance for nearly 1,200 low- and moderate-income Ohioans. The local grant, administered through the Housing Assistance Grant Program using Ohio Housing Trust Fund dollars, targets homeowners in Hocking, Athens and Perry counties who are at or below 50 percent of the area median income.
The money can be used to contract with qualified local construction companies for critical work including heating systems, water heaters, plumbing, severely deteriorated roofs, walls, windows, doors and hazardous electrical systems. Handicapped accessibility modifications are also covered under the grant.
Ritter said the funding gives families in the region a way to address repairs that are often postponed because of cost. “This funding provides an opportunity to help more families when they need an essential repair or an accessibility update completed in their home,” Ritter said. “It’s great to see resources allocated specifically for Southeast Ohio so work can be done in the community to ensure safe housing and a better quality of life for residents.”
The Housing Assistance Grant Program helps nonprofits across Ohio promote affordable housing through essential home repairs, accessibility renovations, limited down payment assistance and homebuyer education. Local homeowners interested in applying for repair help through the grant can contact Hocking Athens Perry Community Action directly for eligibility details.