The city of Franklin was awarded a grant to start a new program to help residents with home repairs.
Franklin is one of four communities to receive a grant to create an Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program. The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, or OCRA, awarded $1.5 million in grants, with Franklin receiving $350,000 to give out to local homeowners.
With the funding, Franklin and other communities will establish a program to help residents of low- to moderate-income with home repairs of certain types. This could include things like roof repair or replacement, ADA accessibility, heating and cooling replacement, lighting and electrical upgrades and water heater replacement. The money is expected to help 10 residents repair their homes, said Krista Linke, Franklin’s director of community development.
“The city is very excited to receive this funding that will allow us to assist 10 homeowners with much-needed repairs,” Linke said.
City officials received approval from the Franklin City Council to apply for the grant in February. The Franklin Development Corp. is providing $35,000 for the required 10% local funding match for the program.
Applicants must be 80% below the Average Median Income based on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, Income Limits. For Johnson County, the limit for 80% below has a ceiling of $57,650 for single-person households to a ceiling of $82,300 for four-person households. There are lower ceilings for other income limit categories and limits increase as the number of people in the household increases.
Applicants must also be insured and special consideration will be given to individuals with disabilities, adults who are aging in place or stay in their homes as they age instead of a nursing home or assisted living facility, veterans and single-parent heads of households, according to the February council presentation.
The grant program helps strengthen communities, Micah Beckwith, Indiana’s lieutenant governor, said in a news release on the award.
“These grants are about more than just fixing homes — they’re about strengthening communities,” Beckwith said in the release. “When we take care of the small things, like repairing roofs or upgrading heating systems, we’re sending a message that every home and every family matters. This approach helps prevent larger issues down the road and fosters pride and stability in our neighborhoods. By investing in the future of Indiana and preserving the values that make our state great.”
In addition to Franklin, the cities of Greensburg and Union City each were awarded $350,000, while Huntington County was awarded $500,000. OCRA administers the program using federal money from HUD’s Community Development Block Grant program.
“The Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation grant program can be crucial for homeowners who may need extra support from their community in order to make needed improvements to maintain their safety in their home,” Fred Glynn, OCRA executive director, said in the release. “Congratulations to these four communities and thank you for seeking out this funding opportunity to better your community and the quality of life for your residents.”
The Daily Journal will share details on how to apply for the grants when the application for Franklin residents is ready.
Residents can follow Franklin Development Corp. on social media to be the first to hear about applications for this and other grant programs the corporation offers.
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