Moving Towards Help: Commissioners Greenlight Homeowner Rehabilitation Assistance Program

The Dubois County Commissioners have given the green light to a partnership with Indiana 15 to administer grants through the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). These grants aim to support a homeowner rehabilitation program and the Head Start Preschool Program, provided by TRI-CAP.

Funded by a Community Block Development Grant with OCRA, the county became aware of this program through its participation in the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP). The HELP program was established by the state to maximize the impact of the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds received by Indiana communities under the American Rescue Plan Act. It combines state funding opportunities with local funds to create pathways towards achieving specific goals, thereby strengthening participating communities. These pathways focus on advancing e-connectivity, promoting community wellness, enhancing the quality of place, and strengthening local economies.

Both Dubois County and the City of Jasper are actively involved in the HELP program, with these approved grants benefiting residents from both the county and the city.

Approximately $700,000 of the $1 million grant will be allocated to assist eligible homeowners in undertaking necessary repairs to enhance the livability of their homes. Homeowners can submit applications demonstrating their eligibility based on federal income guidelines. Once eligibility is confirmed, a site visit will be scheduled to ensure that the home meets environmental safety standards for rehabilitation. Approved local contractors will carry out the necessary repairs, which will then be inspected upon completion.

County Commissioner Chad Blessinger emphasizes that this program serves as a resource to homeowners, providing funding opportunities to improve the livability of their homes. However, it's important to note that aesthetic updates to homes will not be covered under this program.

The remaining portion of the grant will be utilized to support TRI-CAP's Head Start Preschool program, benefiting children from families that fall within federal poverty guidelines. The specific allocation of funds will be determined through collaboration between TRI-CAP, Dubois County, the City of Jasper, and the grant administrator.

The allocated funds will be available for utilization from 2023 to 2025, ensuring an extended period for implementing these crucial programs and supporting the community's needs.