The Tennessean  tells the tale of the HOME program, $250,000 in federal grants going to each of three TN counties, Gallatin,Portland and Westmorelan. The program is designed to repair – or in the past, even replace – homes that had update needs, up to $40,000 per qualifying resident.

Deemed a lifesaver to those who get the funding, among the changes this year is the fact that mobile and manufactured homes will no longer be eligible.

Yet Gallatin resident Teresa White is among those who lament that their conventional house is so cold, they pile on blankets in the winter to stay warm.

“(The house) needs to be up to code,” White said. “The reason why I initially built it was so we could all be together.”

Housing rehabilitation funds are limited to a maximum of $40,000 per structure. In a market like theirs, that could pay for a new, green and energy efficient manufactured home that would come with a warranty. Homes that need more than $40,000 in repairs will no longer be eligible for their HOME Program.

No reason was evident why the manufactured home solution was no longer being considered. ##

(Photo credit: Josh Cross/Gallatin News Examiner/The Tennessean)