At the beginning of this year, Manhattan resident Elisabeth Dabbs couldn’t plug in her toaster, coffee maker and microwave at the same time without blowing a circuit. Cold winter air seeped through her storm windows. And she was living in a home with health concerns.
Her saving grace came through an application to the City of Manhattan’s Housing Rehabilitation Program. Dabbs was the recipient of an income-based grant that allowed her to make significant imrpovements to her home — and just in time to stay warm and safe during the upcoming winter months.
“It’s a wonderful program. I never could afford to do it on my own,” Dabbs said.
Funds are currently available to assist low- and moderate-income homeowners like Dabbs to make emergency and accessibility repairs. Only homeowners in the city limits of Manhattan are eligible. Each homeowner can qualify for up to $5,000 to repair plumbing, heating, insulation, painting, windows, structural improvements, sidewalks and other issues. Repairs must meet HUD Housing Quality Standards and local codes.
If a homeowner is approved for the program, city staff solicits bids and oversees work during the project.
In order to be considered, homeowners must meet the following income requirements:
Household of 1: $34,250
Household of 2: $39,150
Household of 3: $44,050
Household of 4: $48,900
Application materials are available at City Hall, 1101 Poyntz Avenue, at Manhattan Public Library, 629 Poyntz Avenue, and on the city’s website.
For more information about the program, please contact George Stark, Housing Rehabilitation Inspector, at (785) 587-2431 or by email.
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