Act Now: Southern Dallas Homeowners Eligible for Up to $100K in Federal Grants for Home Repairs
In an effort to support underserved neighborhoods in Dallas, Texas that have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, homeowners can now apply for federal grant funds of up to $100,000 per household for home repairs. The eligible neighborhoods identified by the city include Joppa, Five Mile, Tenth Street Historic District, and The Bottom. Under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Neighborhood Revitalization Program, up to 20 homes will receive funding to address their repair needs.
The availability of funds through the ARPA program aims to retain affordable housing and improve overall living conditions in these areas. The City of Dallas recognizes that well-maintained homes contribute to better health outcomes for residents, especially as more individuals have been spending increased time indoors due to the pandemic.
Joppa, also known as Joppee, is a Freedman community established by emancipated slaves in southern Dallas during the late 1870s. It has a median home value of approximately $94,500. Five Mile Creek, located near South Lancaster and Simpson Stuart roads in southern Dallas, has a median home value of around $91,420. The Tenth Street Historic District, renowned as one of the few remaining Freedman’s Towns in the nation, has a median home sale price of $325,000. Furthermore, “The Bottom,” a historically Black neighborhood in East Oak Cliff, has recently become eligible for ARPA funding. Property listings in The Bottom reflect land prices ranging from $18,000 to $215,000.
A budget of approximately $2 million has been allocated to repair and improve at least 20 homes, and some projects are already underway. To qualify for the ARPA grant funding, homeowners must meet specific criteria. These include owning a single-family detached dwelling built on or before 1959 and residing in the home as their primary residence. The property must be located within one of the qualified neighborhoods and require eligible repairs. Additionally, property owners who rent or sell to tenants or buyers earning less than 80 percent of the Area Median Income are also eligible for the program.
For further information about the program and application process, individuals can contact 469-799-2761. This initiative aims to provide much-needed support to homeowners in these neighborhoods and contribute to the revitalization and improvement of the community as a whole.
