Housing grant application open through Aug. 31

MACOMB — On Wednesday, July 13, at 5:00 p.m., the City of Macomb and Western Illinois Regional Council (WIRC) hosted an informational meeting about the Residential Façade Improvement Grant Program. A total of 15 households attended, along with representatives from WIRC and the City of Macomb. The public was welcome to attend in-person or via Zoom. The City of Macomb and WIRC are partnering to offer this project to Macomb residents.

Attendees learned the grant can help eligible Macomb homeowners with making improvements to the exterior of their home. Some examples of improvements include repairing a porch, installing a new roof, installing siding, and other similar projects. Homeowners must complete the application form, get at least two quotes/bids from contractors for the proposed projects, and gain approval from program officials before any work begins. The City of Macomb will only provide the grant funds to the homeowner after the improvements are finished.

WIRC officials say funding for this grant is provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and $330,000 has been allocated to the program. The grant is a 90% matching program, meaning the homeowner is responsible for paying 10% of the repair costs. For example, if the total cost of repairs is $10,000, the homeowner would be responsible for paying $1,000 and the grant would cover the remaining $9,000. The maximum amount the grant will reimburse each homeowner for improvements is $10,000.

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria: their residential property is within the city limits of Macomb, Illinois; they own and primarily reside in the home being applied for; their household’s total income is within the income guidelines for the program; they are current on taxes, including property taxes; and they do not have any outstanding charges, debts or liens owned to the City of Macomb, unless they are on a payment plan.

WIRC Public Relations Manager Jamie Roth says the income guidelines are generous for this region. “Many households in Macomb should be within the income limits,” said Roth. “For example, a one-person household cannot make more than $54,900 per year, and a two-person household’s total income cannot be more than $62,700 per year. We hope that residents of Macomb will take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to repair their home when they otherwise may not be able to afford to do so.” Roth added that a complete income chart can be found within the program application or by calling WIRC at 309-837-3941.

The deadline to apply for the first round of grant applications is Friday, August 31, 2022. A second round of applications is not guaranteed, and there are no current plans to offer this grant again in the near future.

“This type of grant does not come around every day,” Roth said. “So, do not wait to apply for this program. The WIRC team will be happy to answer any questions you have and help you fill out the application form.”

Information about the grant, including a recording of the recent meeting and the application form, can be found on the WIRC website at https://wirpc.org/facade/. Applications can also be picked up at the WIRC office, 133 West Jackson Street, Macomb, Illinois 61455, or by calling WIRC at 309-837-3941 between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. WIRC and the City of Macomb are Equal Housing Opportunity and Equal Opportunity Employers.

This article originally appeared on The McDonough County Voice: ARPA funds available to Macomb homeowners