“Almost 50 percent of the households in the county are low income and almost half are over 50 years old,” County Planner John F. Tenbusch said. County Planning Housing staff will provide detailed information at the meeting, according to watertowndailytimes.
Homeowners that qualify will receive $25,000 to rehabilitate their homes to federal housing standards, including meeting housing codes, with an emphasis on energy efficiency. The county expects to help 25-30 households, and the funds can be used to replace manufactured homes, as well as upgrade wastewater systems, as MHProNews has learned.
The funds will be disbursed through the county instead of through individual municipalities as it has been in the past. The amount of the funding–which comes from the federal government through the state—has been decreased from $30 million to $10 million, and elderly and disabled residents will be a primary focus, stated Planning Director Keith J. Zimmerman. “We will be looking to assist those households with the lowest incomes living in the most deteriorated housing conditions,” he said.
Since 1982, more than 550 households have been assisted with repairs, and 580 people have been helped to acquire their first home. ##
(Photo credit: Riley Transport–new manufactured home being delivered)
