Funds for Green Home Repairs Now Accessible Through MI-Hope Program
The Michigan Housing Opportunities Promoting Energy Efficiency (MI-Hope) program has opened doors for Manistee area homeowners to receive funding for energy-efficient home repairs. This grant program is a branch of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s Neighborhood Enhancement Program and is geared towards improving the living standards of Michigan residents.
The primary aim of the MI-Hope program is to supply funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations. This financial support is used to undertake housing projects that promote energy efficiency. Homeowners in Manistee who meet certain qualifications may be eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grants. The funds can be utilized for several home improvements including energy-efficient roof repairs, insulation, window upgrades, and replacement of heating/cooling systems. These details were shared in a letter from Manistee City Manager, Bill Gambill.
To promote the availability and benefits of these funds, the city of Manistee is collaborating with Housing North and the Manistee County Habitat for Humanity. Tracy Davis, Manistee County Housing Ready Coordinator with Housing North, informed that the MI-Hope grant, which covers Manistee County, was received by Habitat for Humanity Michigan. However, she noted that there was no designated amount exclusively for Manistee County.
The MI-Hope program operates statewide, aiming to distribute a total of $28.5 million across different funding rounds. The first round alone catered to $10 million, and the second round, recently announced by MSHDA, will distribute an additional $10 million.
Tonya Joy, Neighborhood Housing Initiatives Division Director, expressed her support for Habitat for Humanity of Michigan’s efforts to foster positive change within the Manistee County community. She lauded the MI-Hope initiative’s goal to enhance residents’ health and safety by addressing the crucial need for the repair and maintenance of roofs, windows, and other elements of homes.
Eligibility for the MI-Hope program extends to households with incomes less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level that meet several other conditions. These conditions include experiencing financial hardship on or after March 3, 2021, risk of housing instability due to increased living expenses, and a minimum of 12 months of home occupancy prior to March 1, 2021. Additionally, to qualify, the property should have up-to-date tax payments, mortgage payments, and insurance coverage.
Those interested can apply for assistance online through the MSHDA MI-Hope website, arp.michigan.gov/p/home. Once the application is initiated, applicants have 14 days to complete it. For any questions or assistance related to the program, individuals can reach out to [email protected] or call 231-299-0004. Housing North is available to help with document scanning, uploading, online application assistance, providing help for those without internet access, and offering additional information about the MI-Hope program.
