Rehab grants available for homeowners in 2008

Posted November 29, 2007

Ted Amaral, program manager for The Resource Inc. (TRI), a non-profit company that makes grant funds available to help low and moderate income homeowners on Martha's Vineyard address code, safety, and health deficiencies in their residences, will explain the program and eligibility requirements at several public forums, beginning tomorrow.

TRI oversees the program on behalf of the Oak Bluffs selectmen and reports directly to Alice Boyd of Bailey Boyd Associates of Harwich, the grant administrator. Oak Bluffs Home Rehabilitation funds that were awarded during the summer of 2007 will be expended in 2008.

Early in 2007, TRI made application to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), on behalf of the Oak Bluffs selectmen. The goal was funding for this moderate home rehabilitation program. The funds come from the federal Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD). The 2007 grant requested by Bailey Boyd Associates of Harwich won more than $620,000, to be expended in the towns of Oak Bluffs and Tisbury in calendar year 2008.

Since 2002, approximately $3 million in grants have gone to the owners of 175 housing units, to address code, safety and health violations, i.e. septic systems, insulation, roofs, windows, heating systems, foundations, etc. During 2007, the program assisted with the rehabilitation of 25 units in Oak Bluffs and Tisbury. Seniors, working families, female heads of households, singles, and individuals with disabilities all were clients.

Participants must qualify under HUD income guidelines. The program is for owner-occupied primary residences. Second homes or rental properties are not eligible.

On Nov. 30, Mr. Amaral will speak at the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging's Friday Conversations, from 10-11:30 am.

On Dec. 10, he will be at the Vineyard Housing Office off State Road in Tisbury, at 3 pm.

Also on Dec. 10, Mr. Amaral will be available at the Oak Bluffs Library, from 5-5:30 pm. Prior to the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging Christmas party on Dec. 19, Mr. Amaral will be available at 11 am at the council's Wamsutta Avenue location.

Mr. Amaral will be at the Tisbury Council on Aging on Dec. 20, at 9:30 am and Dec. 27 at 10 am.

Mr. Amaral can be reached at 508-696-3285.

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