Home Repair Grant Program 2021

FAQ

1. How much funding is available?

You may apply for and receive a grant of up to $7,499.00 maximum. Based on our total funding amount ($30,000), we estimate that we will be able to fund 5 home repair projects in the Village of Mancelona: 3 exterior projects and 2 interior projects (see question #3 below for a list of eligible project repairs). Final grant awards will depend on the scope and sum of projects requested. You will most likely receive a grant of between $2,000 and $7,499.

2. Who are eligible applicants?

• You must own and live in your home in the Village of Mancelona. (Cannot be under land contract.)

• Your property must be stick built or modular, and on a permanent foundation.

• Your property must be current on taxes and have current home insurance (unless the repair requested is necessary to obtain home insurance, in which case we will request written confirmation from your insurer).

• Your property must comply with land use regulations, including zoning, if applicable.

• You must be applying for eligible improvements (see question #3 below).

• You must submit all required attachments with your application (see question #4 below).

• You must meet income requirements (see question #5 below).

3. What are eligible improvements?

Exterior paint, siding, roofing, windows and doors, accessible ingress or egress, and similar activities.

Interior plumbing, heating, and electrical activities that are critical to the integrity of the home (not aesthetic only).

Ineligible improvements include: mailboxes; fountains; decorative landscaping; decorative lighting; food and beverage supplies; rubbish removal; demolition; land acquisition; down payment assistance; non-plumbing, heating, and electrical interior work; and similar activities. The application approval committee, composed of CRD and Village representation, will determine whether an activity is eligible for funding.

4. What paperwork do I need to submit with my application?

A complete application must include copies of the following attachments: warranty deed, proof of prior 3 year local tax payments, home insurance declarations page, current pictures of property, 2020 1040 tax documentation, and self-certification income form.

5. What are the income limits to be eligible? (Note: these numbers are from 2020. 2021 figures are not yet available and may change slightly. Use these as a general guide. We will update the website and application form ASAP.)

It depends on your household size, see below:

• Household of 1 person: $56,400 annual income or less

• Household of 2 persons: $64,440 annual income or less

• Household of 3 persons: $72,480 annual income or less

• Household of 4 persons: $80,520 annual income or less

• Household of 5 persons: $87,000 annual income or less

• Household of 6 persons: $93,480 annual income or less

• Household of 7 persons: $99,960 annual income or less

• Household of 8 persons: $106,320 annual income or less

6. How do I submit my completed application?

Once completed, you can email to clerk@villageofmancelona.org, drop off to the Village office at 120 West State Street, Mancelona, MI 49659, or mail to the Village at PO Box 648, Mancelona, MI 49659. Applications are due Thursday, June 3 at 4 p.m. EST!

7. If funded, who will complete the work?

The Village works with a team of local, licensed, and experienced contractors to complete all home repairs. At least two of our contractors will review the proposed bid for your project, to ensure that costs and scope are accurate and fair. Homeowners are required to sign off on the bid before any construction commences. We will work with you to make sure all of your questions and concerns are addressed. Our contractors also participated in the 2019 and 2020 home repair programs and the homeowners they assisted were pleased with their work.

8. How will you select projects to fund?

A scoring committee comprised of Village of Mancelona and CRD representatives will score applications based on the following criteria:

• Is the project located on US-31, State Street, or Maple Street? (up to 1 point)

• Does the homeowner claim dependent children aged 18 or younger? (up to 2 points)

• Is the applicant aged 65 years or older and/or a Veteran? (up to 1 point)

• How old is the subject property? (up to 2 points)

• What is the project impact, in terms of home and neighborhood aesthetics, integrity, and visibility? (up to 5 points)

(up to 11 points total)

9. What if my project costs more than the grant I receive?

If your project cost exceeds the grant made available to you and you wish to move forward, homeowners must personally pay for any costs that exceed the grant amount AND must pay this portion directly to their contractor before work begins.

10. Where is the grant funding coming from?

The $30,000 was awarded by MSHDA as part of the Neighborhood Enhancement Program. This is Mancelona’s third year working with MSHDA to complete this grant program and we are very grateful for their support.