Program Description

Housing Action Council (HAC) administers a Home Improvement Program funded by New York State Affordable Housing Corporation (AHC) which provides funds of up to $15,000 for eligible repairs in homes owned by income eligible households who reside in Westchester County. This program is coordinated with HAC's home ownership counseling program in that income eligible households who have purchased during the program's ten year history can participate as well as other households who reside in Westchester County. The program covers approximately 60% of the cost of eligible repairs. Households must cover the balance with their own funds, funds from other sources, or borrowed funds. HAC will assist applicants in determining how they can cover their portion of the repair costs.

Purpose of Program

The purpose of the program is twofold: to upgrade existing housing and to enable home owners to maintain and afford their homes.

What Types of Property are Eligible?

Cooperatives
Condominiums
Single Family
Two Family
Three Family
Four Family

What Types of Improvements are Eligible?

Approximately 51% of the AHC funds are required to be used to prolong the useful life of homes, correct structural defects or repair building systems. Examples of the types of repairs are:

HAC evaluates properties and coordinates services. A scope of work and cost estimates will be prepared by a representative of Housing Action Council. All work is required to be done by qualified contractors. Three bids for each home improvement project are sought. The lowest qualified bidder will perform repairs or improvements.

Applicant Income Qualification, Screening and Selection Process

Housing Action Council manages the screening and selection process. Applicants are required to submit the following information:

1. last two years' federal tax returns and W-2s for all household members
2. employee pay stubs that cover the most recent 1 month period
3. evidence of any other sources of income, e.g., social security, retirement benefits, and SSI
4. bank statements for the three most recent months
5. evidence of other assets, e.g., deferred compensation plans, annuities, stocks, bonds, etc.
6. Any other documents requested.

Applicant Assets

To be eligible household assets cannot exceed $15,000. Assets include monies in savings or checking accounts, certificates of deposit, stocks and bonds.

Each applicant will be required to sign a certification attesting to the accuracy of the household income and asset information.

Occupancy/Repayment Requirements

The program requires continued occupancy by the homeowner for a period of time depending on the amount of the AHC grant. Should the homeowner move within that time period, all or a portion of the grant must be repaid.

Income Guidelines

There will be a modest fee for Housing Action Council's staff services and contracted services which include preparation of scope of work, oversight of the repairs, qualifying households and arranging additional financing.

For an Application and more Information contact:

Housing Action Council
55 South Broadway
Tarrytown, NY 10591
Phone: 914-332-4144
Fax: 914-332-4147