PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Pinellas County is offering a lifeline to people who thought they might never have enough money to make badly needed home improvements.
This month, county leaders voted to expand a forgivable loan program aimed at keeping people in their homes.
“Some of these families have been in their homes, you know, for a number of years. And they want to stay in the community. And it's getting more and more difficult to do that,” said Sheri Harris with Pinellas’s Housing and Community Development office.
Harris says the county’s “Home Repair Program” is designed to help low-income residents maintain their homes – rather than seeing them fall into disrepair.
“It's really the structural items that are going to help maintain at home for years to come,” said Harris. “So, that's really what we want to focus on.”
Rather than supplementing a new home purchase, rent payments, or building additional affordable housing, the county is offering up to $75,000 in forgivable 20-year loans.
The money is available so that people can make needed repairs and stay put.
The limit used to be up $55,000, but county leaders recently voted to increase that figure to $75,000.
“The cost of new construction has gone up significantly,” said Harris. “So, whatever we can do to preserve the stock in the community it's a benefit to everyone.”
The program is open to individual homeowners who make up to $53,500 a year or $76,400 for a family of four.
The money can be used to repair or replace roofing, windows, doors, AC units, and even help bring electrical systems up to code.
In addition, the county is also offering up to $20,000 more as part of its independent living program. Money can be used for wheelchair ramps, bathroom railing, tub-to-shower conversions, and other improvements to promote barrier-free housing.
“By adding a ramp or a roll-in shower, allowing them to just stay in their home for as long as they can, which is really what we want to do,” said Harris.
Each year, another part of the 20-year loan is forgiven – as long as the recipient keeps living in their home.
The cities of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Largo all have similar loan forgiveness programs of their own.
Several counties and cities throughout Tampa Bay also offer help to those who have what is considered moderate income, but could also use assistance.
Pinellas County’s program is fully funded through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program, which supports affordable housing and homeownership efforts by local governments throughout the state of Florida.
Those interested should reach out to Pinellas County and ask for more information on the home repair program.