RENOVATING YOUR HOME – THE HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM:

What is the Home Improvement Program?

The Home Improvement Program provides funds to eligible homeowners for the upgrading and renovation of their homes.

Who is eligible for Home Improvement Program assistance?

Low- and moderate-income homeowners residing within the unincorporated areas of the Town of North Hempstead (such as New Cassel, Albertson, Port Washington, Manhasset, and other areas that are not within incorporated villages) may be eligible for Home Improvement Program assistance if they have owned the home they are seeking to improve for one year or longer.  Call Community Development Agency representatives for details (for contact information, see below).

What type of work does the Home Improvement Program fund?

Eligible work includes:

• Structural work and repairs, including foundation, beams, stairway, porch, stoop, and chimney
• Replacement workrequired for the roof, plumbing, furnace, water heater, and electrical service
• Weatherization work, including insulation, windows and doors
• Exterior improvements, such as siding, trim, driveway, walkways, and garage
• Interior improvements, including kitchen, bathroom, floors, walls, and ceilings

Does the Home Improvement Program fund improvements for seniors and physically challenged families?

Yes.  The Home Improvement Program may fund improvements providing home accessibility for seniors and the physically challenged, including ramps, motorized lifts, and doorway widening.  Call Community Development Agency representatives for details (for contact information, see below).

What are the terms and conditions of Home Improvement Program assistance?

Depending upon the applicant, the nature of the improvements or repairs proposed, and the availability of funding, the Home Improvement Program provides the following types loans and grants:

• Revolving Deferred Loans of up to $17,000, made at a zero interest rate.  Similar to home equity revolving lines of credit, they are repayable upon death of the borrower, refinancing, rental, sale, or transfer of the home.
• Emergency Grantsof up to $4,000 for emergency work only.
• For removal of architectural barriers, combination matching loans and grants of up to $40,000, consisting of up to $20,000 in Revolving Deferred Loan proceeds and up to $20,000 in Grant proceeds.

 Call Community Development Agency representatives for details (for contact information, see below).

How do I apply for and get awarded Home Improvement Program funding?

Click here to download or print a copy of the Home Improvement Program Pre-Approval Request, complete it, and mail it to the Community Development Agency at the address listed above.  The Agency will inform you as to whether you meet Program eligibility criteria.  If your pre-approval request is approved by the Agency, it will send you an application form.  Once you have completed the application form and submitted it to the Agency, the Agency will place your application on a waiting list for processing.  Generally, processing takes anywhere between 3 and 9 weeks from receipt of a completed application.

Once the Agency is ready to process your application, an Agency will meet with you to verify your application information, inspect your home, and develop a list of work items.  The representative will also advise you of the type of Program financial assistance available to you.

The list of work items for the rehabilitation of your home will then be competitively bid to independent, Agency-approved contractors, with the contract for the work awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.  Following the signing of financial assistance and contract documents, work on your home may begin.  The Agency representative will monitor the work undertaken by the contractor until completion to make sure it is done correctly.

How can I learn more about the Home Improvement Program?

To find out more about the Home Improvement Program, you can call or write to the Town of North Hempstead Community Development Agency as follows:

            Town of North Hempstead Community Development Agency

            51 Orchard Street

            Roslyn Heights, New York  11577

            Attn:     Housing Rehabilitation Program

            (516) 869-7670 
            (516) 626-3953 (fax)