Housing Rehabilitation
Housing Rehabilitation
According to the US Census, 36.5% of the homes in St Lawrence County were constructed prior to 1939. The dark orange areas of the map show where more than 45% were constructed prior to 1950, the somewhat lighter indicates 30-45%, and the lightest 18-30%. Differences in the green area, which is Adirondack Park, are not indicated.
Older homes represent “imbedded energy”. Energy went into the raw materials and construction of the existing homes, energy would be required to tear them down, and energy would be consumed in the materials and building of new homes. Rehabilitating housing is the ultimate form of recycling.
Older homes were generally well constructed, but they do require maintenance. Unfortunately, many families in St. Lawrence County have not had and do not have the resources to keep their homes in good repair. Many live in inefficient and even dangerous conditions. The home above required significant work on the electrical system, roof, windows, doors, porches, insulation, and siding.
The St. Lawrence County Housing Council seeks ways to help residents preserve and improve the existing housing stock — more than 1,200 homes in recent years. We currently have a waiting list of 294 families. We assist with grant support and low interest loan funds.
Grants
The rehabilitation grants the Housing Council administers generally specify an eligible locality. They are limited to individuals or families which earn up to 80% of the median income in St. Lawrence County. (For 2008, the highest eligible incomes range from $29,500 for a family of 1 to $42,150 for a family of 4, to $55,650 for a family of 8.)
Grant funds have assisted homes in Colton, Star Lake, Oswegatchie, Hammond, Canton, Parishville, Pitcairn, Hermon, Southwest Edwards, South Stockholm, and Black Lake Road in the Town of Morristown. In 2008, grants are focused on Norfolk and Russell.
Loan Funds
The Housing Council´s Housing Revolving Loan Fund is used to correct problems with heating, plumbing, building structures, water supply and disposal systems, accessibility modifications for those with disabilities, and energy conservation repairs. Cosmetic repairs or those that do not address health and safety concerns are not eligible uses of the Housing Revolving Loan Fund. The Loan Fund is commonly used in conjunction with state or federal home repair or rehabilitation programs offered by the Housing Council or other local not-for-profit companies.
The Housing Revolving Loan Fund can provide eligible owner-occupants (1 to 4 family homes) with loans of up to $3,000.00. Interest rates charged to borrowers are between zero and nine percent and are based upon the borrower´s income and repayment ability. Typically, eligible borrowers have up to five years to repay the loans.
The Housing Council, with financing provided by Syracuse-based housing and community development agency Home HeadQuarters, is now providing low-interest home and energy repair loans and grants to area homeowners. The home and energy repair program specifically targets those homeowners who have not yet built enough equity in their home to borrow from traditional lenders, but all homeowners are welcome to apply.
Under the program, the Housing Council can provide loans of up to $15,000 at 6.99% (APR 7.41%) for home repair and at the lowest local rate of 2.99% (APR 3.33%) for energy repair and improvement. A $5,000 energy grant can also be available to homeowners provided they meet New York State household income qualifications and other eligibility requirements. $5 million in home improvement loan capital has been made possible through a unique partnership formed by Home HeadQuarters with 11 lending institutions including banks and credit unions that provide a capitalized loan pool at a reduced interest rate.
How to Apply
The first step to apply for a loan or grant is to call the Housing Council at 386-8576. The Housing Council will send you an application which you should complete and return.
The Housing Council provides housing assistance regardless of an
applicant´s race, color, religion, gender, age, disability or familial status.