Program Offers Financial Assistance for Home Repairs

Westerville residents meeting household income requirements could receive funding assistance for their next home project. In August, the City announced the pilot “Westerville Home Repair Program,” a first-of-its-kind partnership with the MidOhio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC).

“Given our long-standing relationship with MORPC, it became apparent that this could be a good fit for both organizations. MORPC administers similar programs with federal grants. They make a logical partner in this endeavor,” said Westerville Planning and Development Director David Efland. “MORPC notes that a partnership such as this has never been done in the region. Thus, much work has had to occur to scope the program, parameters and process culminating in the program.”

Efland says the 12-month pilot program is particularly aimed at helping homeowners with repairs that improve safety, sustainability, energy efficiency or accessibility.

“Our community was largely built in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, with housing stock to match those periods. This means that those units are likely coming up on some major repairs. This program is intended to help homeowners with those expenses to keep the housing stock up to date for this and the next generation while supporting our naturally occurring affordable housing, which is our existing housing stock versus anything that is built brand new today,” said Efland. "With economic conditions as they are--people have been tightening their belts and interest rates have been higher--a little help with these improvements can go a long way in our community for folks of relatively limited/fixed incomes, particularly our seniors, veterans, young families, etcetera."

Qualifying residents may receive up to $25,000 per property. Efland says the program is locally funded.

“In 2022, Westerville City Council discussed and budgeted to address housing initiatives across several strategies in the Westerville Community Plan and City Council’s Strategic Plan--two goals of which include ensuring connected and engaged residents, as well as safe and vibrant neighborhoods,” said Efland.

In the year that followed, Planning and Development staff conducted a thorough and thoughtful research process, bringing a speaker series before City Council and then presenting the program, which was subsequently approved during budget preparation in late 2023 for the 2024 budget year.

MORPC supports the program by providing application review, rehabilitation specialists, project scope development and contracting management.

Visit www.westerville.org/homerepair to learn more. To discuss your eligibility and specific home repair needs, contact MORPC directly at (614) 233-4171.