City of Victoria plans to accept applications for home reconstruction program

June 06--Victoria residents can soon apply for a housing program that helps those in need of rehabilitating or reconstructing their home.

Julie Fulgham, director of development services for the city of Victoria, said the HOME Program helps lower income residents by providing funds to reconstruct substandard owner-occupied single-family homes.

She said the grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program for 10 homes.

The city hired GrantWorks, Inc. to administer the program, and applications will be accepted at an information session 8:30 a.m. July 12.

Shana DeWitt, HOME application intake specialist, said someone will be available at the session to sit down with applicants and answer specific questions about eligibility.

This grant is for residents with property located within the city limits as their main residence with valid ownership and clear title who is also current on property taxes.

The applicant must also make less than 80 percent of the median family income, which means for a family of four not exceeding $55,450 in total gross annual income.

"It's a really exciting time for the city and we're excited to help everyone we can," DeWitt said.

The program is not only for Hurricane Harvey survivors and was last administered in Victoria in 2014, she said.

Applications are available during regular business hours June 8-July 12 at the Development Services office, Suite 129.

Laura Garcia reports on health and nonprofits for the Victoria Advocate. She may be reached at [email protected] or 361-580-6585.

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