In this file photo from Jan. 23, 2020, Allen County Land Bank field specialist Bob Hoelscher makes an inspection of a vacant home in Lima with Rachael Gilroy, Allen County Land Bank Administrator.
File Photo | The Lima News
LIMA — The Allen County Land Bank program has applications open for home improvement across the county. Allen County Auditor Rachael Gilroy has transformed the program from demolitions to now addressing the need for renovations. Gilroy said the goal is to help homeowners who need assistance with repairs.
“We are offering home improvement grants up to $20,000 for things that affect the health and safety of families,” said Gilroy. “I hope this is the heart-warming project that helps us do good things out there.”
Gilroy said the Allen County Commissioners have given $500,000 to the Home Improvement Program. The land bank has added to that amount with $200,000 for a total of $700,000 for county residents. The program is targeting homeowners in the county who need assistance with home repairs such as roof repairs, foundation needs, plumbing and much more.
“These are general funds that originated with the American Rescue Fund monies,” said Beth Seibert, Allen County Commissioner. “We are thrilled to partner with the county auditor in this project. We think she and her staff have worked through the details of this program. We are excited to see the response she is going to get.”
Seibert said she is happy to see the monies go throughout Allen County. The county commissioner also said applications from residents will reveal the response of homeowners and how much of a need there is.
“We are asking owners that get accepted if they would do a 3% match,” said Gilroy. “Homeowners need to be proud of their home. By having their own monies in the repair that will make them even more proud of the home they have for their family.”
Residents of Allen County are welcome to apply for the program until the deadline at noon on Monday, March 6.
For more information visit https://www.allencountyohauditor.com/ac-land-bank/. For questions or concerns contact Haylee Lowry at 419-228-3700 ext. 8805 or by email at [email protected].
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
