Madison County, Alton and Non-Profit Join Forces For Home Rehabilitation Program

Chairmans Letterhead

                                                                                             For additional information
                                                                                             Contact Jeff Wehling
                                                                                             618/692-4316

For Immediate Release

MADISON COUNTY, ALTON AND NON-PROFIT JOIN FORCES FOR HOME REHABILITATION PROGRAM

Program Targets Owner Occupied Homes in Hunterstown Neighborhood

            EDWARDSVILLE, October 22, 2015 – Madison County Community Development, in association with the City of Alton and Justine Petersen, a not-for-profit housing and redevelopment corporation, have teamed-up to create an innovative program to help homeowners in the Hunterstown Neighborhood rehabilitate their homes.

            The Alton Home Emergency Rehabilitation Program is designed to preserve homes in strategic parts of the city and stabilize property values.  “Importantly, the rehabilitation of the Hunterstown area will enhance the stability of the neighborhood and increase owners’ pride in their homes,” stated Madison County Chairman Alan J. Dunstan.  “This is the type of public investment and progress that generates excitement and private interest in the area.”

            The Hunterstown Neighborhood borders Grandview Cemetery and is bordered by East Broadway, Ridge Street, East 7th Street and Highland Avenue.

            The Hunterstown Home Rehabilitation Program can provide qualified owners with a maximum of $10,000 for home rehabilitation in the form of a five-year, zero percent forgivable loan with deferred payments until the date of forgiveness or the transfer of ownership. 

            Eligible home repairs include items that specifically address health and/or safety issues, roof, plumbing, HVAC and window repairs or replacements.  Cosmetic improvements or changes to increase or reduce the size of the home will not be considered.

            Applicants must own and personally occupy the property, have not received other rehabilitation assistance in the past five years, must be current on all property taxes and free of any debt owed to the City of Alton of Madison County.

               “The sustainability of our neighborhoods is essential to the vitality of the City of Alton, and to Madison County,” Dunstan said.  “Programs such as the Home Emergency Rehabilitation Program helps build great neighborhoods and encourages those looking to buy a home to consider a neighborhood as a place where they want to invest their hard earned capital, live and raise their families.”

            The program is funded by Community Development Block Grants from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD).  Madison County Community Development will administer the HUD grant and coordinate environmental reviews.  Representatives from Justine Petersen and the City of Alton will share responsibility for the implementation of the program.

            Interested homeowners in the Hunterstown Neighborhood must qualify under HUD income guidelines.  The income guidelines are:
                        Household Size                       Gross Income
                                    1                                       $39,400
                                    2                                       $45,000

                                    3                                       $50,650
                                    4                                       $56,250
                                    5                                       $60,750
                                    6                                       $65,250           

Homeowners in the Hunterstown Neighborhood interested in participating in the Alton Home Rehabilitation Program should contact Fredrica or Destiny at Justine Petersen, 618/501-1555.