Special to The Dallas Examiner
The Dallas City Council approved funding Wednesday for the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization’s Senior Home Repair Program. The program will offer approved applicants up to $10,000 in grant funds aimed at home repairs improving accessibility within the home, increasing safety and efficiency.
“To be able to help our most vulnerable residents is the top priority of the City Council and the City of Dallas staff,” Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn King Arnold said. “These grant funds will help our aging residents make crucial repairs to their homes to keep them safe and comfortable.”
The grant funds are available to residents in need of accessibility improvements such as wheelchair ramps, as well as to address significant concerns to the health and safety of the residents. Funds may also be used to repair or replace HVAC systems, plumbing or water heaters.
To be eligible for the program, a resident must be 65 years of age or older, at or below 80% area median income – known as AMI – and in need of repairs at their primary residence.
“The approval of this grant program is a step in the right direction to be able to accommodate our aging population’s housing needs,” said District 3 Council Member Casey Thomas II, chair of the Housing and Homelessness committee. “By adding accessibility improvements to their primary residences, we can affordably prevent aging residents’ displacement.”
Starting Feb. 1, residents can download an application online at https://dallascityhall.com/departments/housing-neighborhood-revitalization/Pages/Repair-Programs.aspx, pick one up at the Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization office in City Hall, located at 1500 Marilla St., 2CN or at any Dallas library or recreation center. Additionally, residents will need to show proof of household income, identity, age, primary homeowner occupancy and ownership. The deadline to apply is March 3. 2023 and residents may drop off their application at the Housing office in City Hall or any library or recreation center.
“Housing is proud to deliver a program that will address the demands of our Senior homeowners, who struggle with repair needs and lack the resources to fix them. As we prepare to launch this program, we hope it builds the momentum needed, for future growth,” said David Noguera, director of the Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Program.
Residents needing assistance filling out an application can reach out to Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization staff at 214-670-3644 or by visiting their offices at City Hall.