Home Repair Program

Accepting applications for the City of Lewiston's 2022 Home Repair Program!

**This program is only available to income eligible Lewiston residents. Applicant's must own and occupy the home. For manufactured/mobile homes to qualify, the owner must own both the trailer and the land upon which the trailer is located. If the trailer is located on a rented lot, such as in a trailer park or on property owned by another person, the program cannot help even if the person owns the trailer.**

Program Description

As an entitlement community, the City of Lewiston receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding each year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services. The City of Lewiston is allowed to develop its own programs and funding priorities; however, as a condition of accepting this federal funding, maximum priority must be given to activities that benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons. One of the programs Lewiston has developed to meet the objectives of providing decent housing and a suitable living environment is its residential rehabilitation program - HRP. HRP is an acronym for the Home Repair Program, in which low- to moderate-income households are targeted for expenditure of these funds.

In prior years, revitalization efforts were focused on three specific neighborhoods - north/downtown Lewiston, the west Orchards, and central Orchards - through the Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan (SNAP) Program. While nearly fifty homes received improvements through the SNAP program since 2005, in an effort to streamline the program and improve our efficiency and effectiveness, we are taking a new approach. All income-qualified applications will be considered without preference to a particular neighborhood. The scope of work to be performed will be narrowed with the highest priority given to addressing live/safety hazards, followed by structural/system deficiencies and energy efficiency improvement measures, such as the following:

Replacement of furnace, cooling systems, or hot water heaters;
Replacement of single-pane windows with energy efficient windows;
Repair or replacement of roofs;
Replacement/installation of insulation;
Replacement of exterior doors;
Electrical panel improvements;
Installation of ramps for accessibility by persons with disabilities.

Other items may be eligible for additional or future funding according to availability and program guidelines. HRP funds cannot be used towards new construction, expansion of the living area, accessory buildings such as carports or shops, or for any labor performed by the homeowner.

Eligibility

The applicant(s) must meet the criteria listed below and provide the requested documentation to be eligible:

Your home must be located within the City of Lewiston, Idaho.
The property must be a single-family residence - manufactured homes are also eligible, as long as the property is also owned.
You must be a legal U.S. resident.
You must be current on your mortgage payments or have paid off your mortgage.
The property must not be for sale.
Workers must be able to safely access all areas of the home as such the home must be clear of clutter and debris, including bugs, pests, rodents, and waste.
Based on the number of people living in your home, the total annual household income cannot exceed:

Family Size	Income Limit
1	$44,800
2	$51,200
3	$57,600
4	$64,000
5	$69,150
6	$74,250
7	$79,400
8	$84,500

Funding

The city offers three (3) types of loans that can be used for the program. The type of loan offered is based on household income. The maximum funding available for the CDBG Home Repair Program of each eligible residential structure will be $25,000.

1. Forgivable Loan:

If your total household income is in the range of extremely low (0% - 30% AMI), as classified by the federal government, you may qualify for a forgivable loan. A forgivable loan is a form of loan in which its entirety, or a portion of it, can be forgiven for a period of time when certain conditions are met. There will be a lien, signed by the homeowner(s) placed on your home for the amount used. Upon successful completion of the terms and conditions within the agreement, the lien will be released.

2. No Interest (0%) Deferred Loan:

If your total household income is in the range of low (31% - 50% AMI), as classified by the federal government, you may qualify for a no interest deferred loan. A no interest deferred loan is a zero percent (0%) interest rate with no monthly payments once the rehabilitation work is completed. There will be a lien, signed by the homeowner(s), placed on your home for the amount used. Payment in full is required if you transfer ownership, sell, refinance, pass away, or otherwise cease to occupy the property as your primary residence.

3. Low Interest (3%) Deferred Loan:

If your total household income is in the range of low-moderate (51% - 80% AMI), as classified by the federal government, you may qualify for a low interest deferred loan. A low interest deferred loan has a three percent (3%) interest rate with no monthly payments once the rehabilitation work is completed. There will be a lien, signed by the homeowner(s), placed on your home for the amount used. Payment in full is required if you transfer ownership, sell, refinance, pass away, or otherwise cease to occupy the property as your primary residence.

Process

Upon the preapproval and selection of an application, the Community Development Department will conduct an initial client consultation including a preliminary inspection of the home to develop a work plan (or scope of work). After the appropriate paperwork and work bids have been received by the City, an environmental review will be performed, including a lead-based paint inspection of homes built before 1978 (at no charge to the homeowner). The client will then sign a rehabilitation agreement, including the scope of work to be performed, and a lien agreement to secure the loan. Work must not begin until all paperwork is in order, permits have been obtained, and permission is granted by the Community Development Department. Upon the satisfactory completion of work as determined by City inspectors, submission of invoices/materials receipts, and payment approval, payment will be issued to the client for disbursement to any contractors hired by the client.