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Fund to assist with home modifications

Date: 11/21/2011

Nov. 21, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

LONGMEADOW — Low-income homeowners who need work done have a town resource they may not be aware of that can help them pay for the project.

The Home Modification Fund, which has been in existence since the spring, allows seniors and other low-income residents to apply for aid in order to make improvements to their homes to keep them safe and habitable.

“The purpose of this fund is to help people remain in their homes,” Karen Michelman, executive director of the Longmeadow Adult Center, said. “Making cosmetic improvements is not the intent here.”

The fund, which started with $48,000, approved and provided by the Community Preservation Commission (CPC), offers up to $5,000 for projects, which have included, but weren’t limited to, handicap access improvements, window replacements, roof repairs and toilet repairs.

“This is an income-based program, so not everyone qualifies, but those who fall within the income guidelines are encouraged to apply,” Michelman said.

The income eligibility guidelines state that applicants must make no more than the town’s median income. In Longmeadow, the median income limit for a one-person household is $56,188. A two-person household must make no more than $64,250, while a three-person household cannot have a combined income of more than $72,250. The income ceiling for a four-person household is $80,250.

The fund is specifically for owner occupied properties; rental properties are not eligible.

Also, a 10 percent match is required for projects with a price tag of more than $500. That money is returned to the fund.

In order to be considered, interested residents must complete an initial request application, which can be found at the Longmeadow Adult Center as well as the Assessor’s Office.

Michelman said she hopes the fund will be able to secure further support through the CPC in the next fiscal year.

“We will be reapplying this year in the hopes to get more funds so we can continue helping people stay in their homes safely,” Michelman said.



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