Housing ServicesHousing Rehabilitation Grant Program NOTE: As a result of reduced federal funding, the waiting list for the Housing Rehabilitation program has been closed until further notice. This is a city and federally funded program through the Department of Housing & Urban Development. Funds are designated for improvements to older neighborhoods, and administered by the Lafayette Consolidated Government Community Development Department. The objective of this program is to provide decent, safe, and sanitary housing to low income residents in Lafayette, to ensure that homes meet all standards of the International Property Maintenance Code, and to preserve older neighborhoods. All work is handled by Lafayette Consolidated Government crews to insure a quality finished project. When is has been determined that you qualify for the program, you will receive consideration for a grant up to $25,000.00, regardless of your age. In order to qualify, you must:
Income Guidelines:
A waiting list, consisting of priority ratings, determines how soon it will be before rehab takes place. Priority points are awarded in the following areas:
The higher the priority rating, the sooner rehabilitation consideration is given. Obligations Of the Recipient: Your rehab grant is awarded to you in the form of a conditional grant. This means that you do not repay the loan unless the property is sold, rented, or under certain other conditions within ten years after rehab takes place. After ten years, the homeowner is free to do as they please with the property. If the grant recipient dies within the ten years, the grant (or deferred loan) will not have to be repaired. Relocation/Moving Grant Program The Lafayette Consolidated Government maintains eight homes within the target neighborhoods that are available to all grant recipients during the rehabilitation of their home. Most are handicap accessible and all are equipped with central heating and air conditioning. Utilities and the use of a telephone are furnished. There is no cost for any of these services. A moving grant, which covers cost incurred during the relocation process, is also awarded to all recipients. The rehabilitation process takes approximately three to six months. You will receive counseling during this entire process. The Housing Counselor will assist you should any problems arise during your stay at the relocation unit. The Rehabilitation Process
Demolition Grant Program: This program is also federally funded through HUD. Owners of property may qualify provided that: the property is located within the target area and has been unoccupied for at least 1year. The owner must also meet income guidelines. At no cost to the owner, this grant allows for the removal of abandoned, dilapidated houses, sheds and garages that are decayed and beyond repair. A $10,000 maximum amount is set on costs for demolition regarding residential property. When a commercial building is being considered for a demolition grant, the owner must have owned the property for at least 3 years. The maximum amount of funds that may be used towards a commercial building for demolition is $4,000.00. Recipients of demo grant are not indebted to the Lafayette Consolidated Government in any way. The owner is free to enter into any type of legal transaction regarding their property. The Housing Counselor will determine your eligibility, and provide counseling before the actual demolition takes place. Income Guidelines:
Code Enforcement Section:
For Housing Code Enforcement Complaints, Condemnation & Demolitions Call Randy Viator: (337) 291-8425. |
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