AKRON, Ohio — The city has set aside $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to establish a home-repair program for qualified homeowners.
Akron’s Home Repair Program is, to date, the largest housing-repair program using ARPA funds in the country, said Mayor Dan Horrigan.
City officials announced the launch of the Akron Home Repair Program at a press conference Thursday, laying out a needs-based program in which Akronites can receive up to $25,000 for repairs to roofs, plumbing, HVAC systems, electrical, ADA accessibility, windows, doors, siding and more.
The program is designed to help Akronites age in place more comfortably and increase property values, Horrigan said.
“We have heard overwhelmingly over this last year and a half from our residents and from city council that this type of program was greatly needed to help support Akron’s hardworking homeowners,” he said.
Applications are available online and at the city’s community centers. Residents also can get help filling an application by calling 330-591- 4694.
To reach as many people as possible, the city plans to host ARPA Home Repair information sessions in each of Akron’s 10 wards, said City Council President Margo Sommerville. The ward information sessions will run June 28 through July 14.
The dates and locations of each of the 10 ward sessions are posted on the Akron City Council calendar on the council’s website.
“One of the most important things about this program is accessibility,” she said. “We want to make sure that everyone who needs this program has equal access to it.”
The application process opens June 23, but the city won’t begin reviewing the applications until July 21, Sommerville said.
Office of Integrated Development Director Sean Vollman, outlined some of the qualifications for the program.
“The Akron home repair program is aimed at helping those who are hardest hit by the impacts of a pandemic,” he said.
To qualify for the funds, applicants must be the homeowner and live in the home, Vollman said.
Residents who live inside the qualified census tract (QCT) must have a medium household income at or below 80% of the area’s median income. QCT eligibility can be checked online by entering the home’s address at this website.
Residents who live outside the QCT, must have an income at or below 50% of the area median income, Vollman said.
To determine whether the homeowner’s income levels meet the program requirement, the city has posted charts online.
Residents also must be current on their mortgage and property taxes, as well as state and local income taxes, or be current on an approved payment plan for delinquent taxes for at least three prior months.
Residents who rent, live in mobile homes or are on a land contract are not eligible, the city said. However, the city plans to launch a rental-home repair program soon.
Work on the houses is planned to begin in late July. The city plans to host two outreach sessions for local, licensed contractors:
- Wednesday, June 29, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Summit Lake Community Center, 380 W. Crosier St,
- Wednesday, July 6, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Patterson Park Community Center, 800 Patterson Ave.
“This is going to be a work in progress,” Horrigan said. “So we're going to be diligently trying to do this through the ARPA eligibility for the next three years.”
Applications can be submitted on the city’s website, dropped off at any of the city’s community centers or mailed to City of Akron, Ohio - Housing Rehab Division, 166 S High St., Room 100, Akron 44308.
To learn more about the Akron Home Repair Program or to get assistance filling out the application visit the website or call 330-591-4694.