Local News

Housing Rehab Grant Process in Earliest Stages

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 17:27:06 CST
You may have heard good news for the City of Litchfield as the city was one of thirteen in the state to receive the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Community Development Block Grant for Housing Rehabilitation. As you might imagine, the money won't exactly flow to homeowners like an ATM. The $542,000 grant will go toward efforts by low-to-moderate income homeowners to help with needs like structural work to electrical, plumbing, new appliances, flooring and accessibility accommodations. The Litchfield Economic Development Office reports the grant will allow homes to be brought up to code, improving living situations and quality of life for residents. The City accepted resident applications last fall and a review of those will begin shortly. Any resident wishing to submit an application that has not already done so, can contact the City at 217-324-8146. Litchfield will have two years to complete the projects and are responsible for coordinating contractors to perform the work. Each local community receiving the grant will evaluate homes requesting assistance for the program, with many prioritizing investments for homes owned by seniors or those with a disability. All homes must be single family owner occupied and prove they need assistance based on income verification. If you submitted an application, please be patient; the city must first receive the grant agreement, and the environmental study must be done. You will receive a letter in approximately three weeks.