City Announces Increase in Affordable Housing Rehab Program

Low-income households in Evansville seeking help with home repairs received good news today, as city officials announced an increase in funding available via the Affordable Housing Fund Advisory Committee (AHFAC) Rehab Program.

The program, which is administered through the Department of Metropolitan Development, will now provide up to $25,000 for repairs to qualifying households who qualify as low-income based on income guidelines set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The AHFAC recently voted to increase the maximum from $10,000 to $25,000.

Funds are administered as a loan, which can be forgiven if the homeowner remains in the home for five years after receiving the funds.

"Our neighborhoods are the heart of our community, and over the years, some of them have been left behind," said Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry. "This increase, coupled with our decision to add another $250,000 to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, is part of our administration's effort to revitalize our neighborhoods - strengthening the places where our residents live and spend the majority of their time."

Eligible residents can apply for assistance through the AHFAC Rehab Program by submitting the attached form. Residents who do not have access to find the form on the Internet can also call the Department of Metropolitan Development at 812-436-7823/ Department officials will mail the form.

Along with qualifying as low-income based on HUD guidelines, eligible residents also must:

• Have owned and occupied their principle residence for at least one year, and have no intention to market, rent, or sell the property
• Live within the City of Evansville city limits
• Provide proof of current homeowners insurance
• Provide proof of current property taxes
• Provide proof that mortgage payments are current
• Comply with environmental restrictions and regulations, including but not limited to floodplain, historic preservation, lead-based paint, etc.

Residents with questions about the program may contact the Department of Metropolitan Development at 812-436-7823.