Housing grants available in Martin County

Mike Grant, Washington Times-Herald, Ind.
·2 min read

Feb. 8—MARTIN COUNTY — Low income, disabled and elderly home owners in Martin County have an opportunity to get needed housing improvements through a new grant program.

The Southern Indiana Development Commission has received a $127,260.82 grant for the USDA Rural Development for the project.

"SIDC received a housing preservation grant from Rural Development and it is going to cover the entirety of Martin County. Cities, towns, and rural areas are all included," said Jenny Dearwester, housing program manager for SIDC. "You have to own your home, be living in it. We do not do homes that are on contract. We don't do single wide mobile homes or homes in the floodplain."

The program is mostly geared toward senior citizens and people with disabilities.

"There are income limits, as in the past. The biggest difference with this grant, we are only looking at five eligible activities; roof, heating and air conditioning, electrical upgrades, water heater or a ramp into the home," said Deerwester. "It's limited to avoid working with anything with lead-based paint. We followed their (Rural Development) lead and that way there is no lead-based risk assessments. The roof is roof work only, no facia, soffit or guttering."

Applications have begun for the grants but officials say they are looking for more contractors to work on the projects.

"One thing we need is contractors to do the projects. Currently, I have two and maybe a third. We need those more than anything," said Deerwester. "If they want to get involved contact me at SIDC (812-295-3707). Since there is no lead-based paint to work around it should be easier to get contractors."

Deerwester projects that the project will cover nine homes and that people who need the work should be contacting her office quickly at 812-295-3707.

"It is mostly to help these folks stay in their home safely. It's a great program. It will really help out those who receive the grants. Unfortunately, the money is going to wrap up quickly," she said. "We have already received a lot of calls and we hope to be able to take requests for another week or two. It doesn't take long to get to nine houses."

Officials say at this time they are building a list for people who want to participate in the program. SIDC will reach out and talk with those who apply to determine eligibility and the scope of the project.

At the time of application people will be required to provide a cop of the recorded deed and the 2024 social security and/or SSI income if that is applicable.