Grant Available to Help Livingston Homeowners

Livingston will soon be offering a Home Improvement Program designed to help Livingston residents pay for essential repairs, thanks to a new grant program.

Livingston residents can receive up to $25,000 in assistance for improvements and repairs to heating and electrical systems, plumbing system components, weatherization, roofs, foundations and more, through the Community Grant for Planning & Housing.

The money, which will be available from the township, is provided in the form of a 0%, 10-year forgivable loan for owner-occupied single family homes. Owner-occupied multi-family properties are eligible to receive $20,000.

“There are no monthly payments and no interest will ever be charged,” said Jackie Hollis, Livingston’s Land Use Administrator.  “This is an equal housing opportunity, on a first-come, first-served basis which costs nothing to apply and your application does not affect your credit score.”

To qualify, residents must own a residential property in Livingston.  They must also be up to date with property taxes and mortgage payments.  Participating residents must have at least one major system, such as roofing, heating, electric, plumbing, foundation or windows that is in need of replacement or repair.

Residents must also have a total gross annual income below their household size limit.  Wheelchair accessible remodeling and weatherization energy savings are also eligible. 

Gross annual household income limits are on a sliding scale starting with one person (limit $50,072), two people (limit $57,225), three people ($64,378), four people ($71,532), and up to eight people ($94,422).

“The loan is fully forgiven if the homeowner maintains title and occupancy for a 10-year period,” says Hollis.  “And rental units that are improved by the Program must be rented at affordable rates to low- and moderate-income families for the 10-year period.”

According to Hollis, residents can apply by contacting CGP&H at 609-371-1968 and to ask for Mary Alice.  

“She will guide you through the eligibility progress and provide additional information regarding the terms for rental units,” said Hollis.  “A professional program inspector will oversee the scope of work and construction to confirm that the repairs and improvements are completed