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April 13, 2012 For more information, contact: Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation (MCEC) has $203,500 of grant funds available to renovate housing in the City of Waynesville, and interested homeowners are still needed to participate. Approximately 10 homes are expected to be improved. The Missouri Housing Development Commission awarded MCEC a Home Repair Opportunity (HeRO) program grant for the home renovations. The grant funds must be used specifically for owner-occupied homes within the designated Waynesville Downtown Revitalization and Economic Assistance for Missouri (DREAM) Initiative community area. The City of Waynesville was invited to participate in the DREAM Initiative, which is a state program designated to assist communities with downtown redevelopment and revitalization efforts. MCEC is a 501©3 that works in partnership with Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC). Meramec Regional Planning Commission will carry out the projects on behalf of MCEC. “The purpose of this grant is to provide a better quality of life for low-to-moderate income families to make their homes safer and more energy efficient,” explained MRPC Community Development Specialist Maria Kardon, who serves as project administrator. “Whether it is replacing a roof, installing a new furnace and replacing windows or making the home ADA accessible – the grant is for those homeowners who don’t have the resources to make those improvements.” Homeowners wishing to participate in the program should complete the home repair program application on MRPC’s website at www.meramecregion.org. To qualify for the program, homeowners must meet income eligibility requirements, based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines. Applicants must prove ownership of the home for at least three years. Homeowners must also complete a grant agreement stating they will live in the property for three years and not refinance or sell the home within that time. The application checklist includes items such as the homeowner’s most current paid real estate tax on the home, proof of insurance, a copy of the home’s warranty deed and necessary documents to support sources of income. The renovation work may include weatherization, ADA accessibility, electrical improvements, addressing environmental issues such as lead-based paint and asbestos, plumbing improvements, heating and cooling system upgrades and energy efficiency upgrades. Homeowners needing more information can contact MRPC at (573) 265-2993. Applications can also be picked up at the MRPC office at 4 Industrial Drive in St. James, can be requested for mailing and are available online at www.meramecregion.org. |