September 26, 2022 – The City of Decatur is launching its owner-occupied Small Home Improvement Program (SHIP) and residents can now apply for assistance to make necessary repairs to their homes.
As part of their commitment to Neighborhood Revitalization, the Decatur City Council recently approved SHIP, which is being funded by American Rescue Plan (ARP) monies. The City presented the Northeast Community Fund (NECF) with $450,000 to begin providing small repair grants – up to $15,000 per housing unit – to residents of owner-occupied homes in targeted low- to moderate-income neighborhoods.
The owner-occupied Small Housing Improvement Program is an attempt to invest in the urban core where City staff is starting to see the first signs of housing decline.
SHIP aligns with the City’s Owner-Occupied Home Rehabilitation Program launched earlier this year. The City received over 700 applications for that rehab program. Individuals that were not chosen through the lottery system for the Owner-Occupied Home Rehab program are eligible to apply for SHIP.
Some of the eligibility requirements for SHIP include:
- Home must be located within the designated low- to moderate-income neighborhood (see map)
- Be a single family, owner occupied residential property. Properties for sale are not eligible
- Title to the unit must be in the name of the person applying for assistance
- Applicant must have owned and occupied the property for one year prior to application date
- The title must be free of delinquent liens, taxes, and encumbrances. And applicant shall not have any outstanding fees, water bills, charges, etc. owed to the City of Decatur
Some of the eligible repairs include, but are not limited to:
- Roofs, porches, and exterior stairs/steps
- Foundation and structural improvements
- Accessibility improvements for occupants with disabilities
- Repair or replacement of mechanical systems
- Lead remediation
- Exterior painting, trim, and/or fascia
- Tuck point and/or masonry
- Driveways and retaining walls
The full list of eligible and ineligible repairs, and additional eligibility requirements can be found here.
Grants to eligible residents will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, you must pick up a pre-application in person at Northeast Community Fund during the following times:
Monday (Sepember 26): 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday (September 30): 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
NECF will review all applications and if you are eligible, you will receive a call to schedule an appointment to move forward in the process. Call NECF with questions 217-429-5846.
