Home Improvement Program offers financial assistance to eligible Township residents

Cherry Hill, N.J. – January 20, 2014 – (RealEstateRama) — Mayor Chuck Cahn announced today the availability of funds for the Township’s Housing Improvement Program (HIP), which provides funds to qualified homeowners looking to rehabilitate their homes.

The purpose of the program is to assist eligible homeowners to address code-related items, repair mechanical and plumbing systems, and to upgrade homes to make them more weather-tight. The types of repairs covered include, but are not limited to, electrical, plumbing, heating, roof, structural issues, windows, doors, handrails, steps, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and siding. Items are addressed by priority starting with the major systems.

The program provides zero-interest loans up to $25,000 which are available to qualified homeowners who meet the program requirements. These “deferred loans,” which are secured by a mortgage note held by the Township, require no monthly payments and is repayable when the property is sold or transferred.
Loans in excess of program limitations may be authorized on a case-by-case basis in extenuating circumstances, to address health, safety and critical situations.

The program is part of the Township’s commitment to making decent, safe and affordable housing available to families and individuals of modest means within Cherry Hill.

“This program helps improve the livability of homes, and helps make necessary repairs affordable to those families that need them the most,” said Mayor Chuck Cahn. “It’s a great way to help those families in need within our community, and maintain and preserve the affordable housing stock within the Township. Everyone deserves to live in a warm and dry home. This program helps you get there.”

To qualify, a homeowner must have lived in the home for at least one year prior to application and meet the region’s income limits. Maximum income limits, as established by HUD, are: $44,150 for a household of one; $50,450 for a household of two; $56,750 for a household of three; $63,050 for a household of four; and $68,100 for a household of five.

Repairs made shall be subject to all Township building codes and property requirements. All identified lead-based paint hazards must be eliminated upon project completion.

The owner-occupied Home Improvement Program is funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, and is administered on behalf of the Township through a shared service agreement with Camden County.

For more information or to apply for this program, homeowners should contact Camden County at (856) 751-2242 or follow this link to the Township’s website: http://www.cherryhill-nj.com/index.aspx?nid=153.