Grant Drawing for Senior Emergency Home Repair

Eligible low-income seniors in Warrendale can receive up to $12,000 for home repairs. The City of Detroit Planning and Development Department will hold its 3rd Annual Citywide Grant Drawing for the Senior Emergency Home Repair Program from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, in the Riverview Ballroom of the Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center (1 Washington Blvd.).

Low-income Detroit residents, ages 65 and older, or physically disabled persons 55 years or older may be eligible to receive grants up to $12,000 for emergency repairs to their home. This Annual Citywide Grant Drawing gives seniors a full day to enter their name in the random drawing, while various senior service providers are on hand to share information and resources, extend health-related services and engage seniors in activities to win prizes.

In order to be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Applicant must be at least 65 years of age or older. Physically disabled residents who are 55 years of age or older also qualify;
• Applicant must be very low income;
• Applicant must own and occupy the home; and
  
• Applicant must not have received a prior rehab/repair grant from City Programs.

Examples of eligible emergency home repairs include furnaces, plumbing, roofs, electrical systems and structural repairs. The following items, however, are not eligible for funding:

• All household appliances;
• Carpeting;
• Concrete-work, such as driveways;
• Kitchen cabinets;
• Plaster or drywall; and
  
• Windows.

Also, any repair item that involves lead-based paint related is ineligible for this program. This would require a risk assessment and cannot be done as part of the drawing.

For more information, or to participate as a sponsor or vendor, call the Housing Services Division at (313) 224-3461. They are open between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.