The City of Galesburg established the Local Housing Repair Assistance Program in 2022 to assist residents with maintenance of their homes. Since its inception, the program has supported more than 100 home repair projects. Following recent updates and expansion of the program, approved by the City Council in December, applications are once again open to help residents invest in their homes.
Recent changes to the program include expanding eligibility to include registered, renter-occupied single-family homes; increasing the maximum funding available per project to $5,000; and expansion of exterior maintenance and repairs visible from a public way including siding, windows, tuckpointing, and painting.
“This program has been a vital tool for providing support for our residents in a way that positively impacts their lives and the community,” said Associate Planner Lucas Brooks. “By broadening the program’s reach to include more exterior repairs, we can help more residents complete essential improvements that enhance their quality of life and the neighborhood’s character. Enhancing our housing and neighborhoods remains a top priority, and this program has proven to be a wise investment in furthering that goal.”
This program is designed to provide financial assistance in the form of a grant up to $5,000 for low-to-moderate income single-family homes (either owner or tenant-occupied) within the corporate limits of the City of Galesburg. Thanks to support from CBI Bank & Trust through the Galesburg Community Foundation, additional funding of up to $1,000 per project may also be awarded to facilitate larger repair projects for low to moderate income applicants. No additional application is required for this supplemental funding, which is integrated into the standard application process, with all funding decisions made by the City of Galesburg and awarded as applicable until funding is exhausted.
Eligible activities include improvements to a building’s accessibility, installation of smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors, demolition of unsafe accessory garages or sheds less than 1,000 square feet, replacement of HVAC equipment at least 15 years old, replacement of siding or windows, repairs to electrical and plumbing issues, and minor roof repairs. The FAQ section of the City website provides many of the items which are eligible. A complete list is available in the application.
In order to qualify for the program, the household income must be under 80% of the area median income, as established by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. (See the following chart.) Applicants must also provide proof of income and liquid assets, proof of homeownership, not be delinquent on water/sewer/refuse account, and two estimates from different contractors.
Individuals may pick up applications in the Community Development Department on the second floor of Galesburg City Hall, or by using the citizen request center on the city website. Homeowners are encouraged to discuss the application with the Associate Planner for helpful details. Once applications are completed with all the required supporting documentation, please call (309) 345-3652 to set up an appointment to review the application.
Funded projects are subject to the availability of funds, and there is a maximum of $5,000 assistance per applicant, or up to $6,000 while supplemental funding is available. Homeowners are responsible for 5% of the project cost and any cost exceeding the awarded funding.
For newly eligible tenant-occupied homes, the application should be submitted by the property owner, with a copy of the lease as proof of rental. The income and liquid assets limits only apply to the occupants of the property.
If selected as a grant recipient, payment from the city to the contractor will not take place until all the work is complete and all required inspections have been done.
For more information see the Housing Repair Assistance Program page on our website.
***Courtesy of the City of Galesburg***
