Southbury Residents to Get Assistance With Home Repairs

Southbury has been awarded a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant to be used for town-wide housing rehabilitation. 

First Selectman Ed Edelson said he was notified by Governor Dannel Malloy’s office this week that the town will receive the grant, which is used to provide funds for low and moderate income homeowners to make needed repairs to their homes.

To be eligible for the grant, single homeowners must have an annual income that does not exceed $45,100, or a maximum of $51,550 for a household of two or more. As part of the application process, the town gathered a list of over 30 residents who were interested in participating in the program, according to Edelson.

“I am pleased the town of Southbury will be able to offer this assistance to our residents”, said Edelson. “My office has been fielding calls from interested applicants ever since we submitted the grant paperwork. This grant will not only help the individual homeowners, but the entire town will benefit by enabling more residents to stay safely in their homes.”

The grant allows the town to establish a revolving loan fund in perpetuity to provide assistance to some residents who need home repair but do not have the funds to make the repairs, and who cannot obtain the funds through bank loans.

The loans go out at 0 percent interest, and must eventually be repaid either by the homeowner or when the house changes title, according to Edelson.

Some possible uses that have been identified include replacing failed furnaces, roofs, windows, and septic system repairs. The grant also applies to ADA modifications to homes, such as entrance ramps and bathroom modifications.

Edelson said he anticipates having more information on the program and how to apply once the documentation is finalized.