PEMBROKE — The County of Renfrew, in partnership with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, is pleased to continue funding for the Emergency Minor Home Repair Assistance Program to low-income homeowners who require minor home repairs that will allow for continued safe occupancy of their home. This grant is available for eligible homeowners who are at risk of being homeless.
The Emergency Minor Home Repair Assistance Program is provided in the form of a one-time grant up to the amount of $5,000. Approved projects will be paid directly to the contractor.
The household income must not exceed $60,000 and the market value of the home must be at or below $175,000. Participants must plan to remain in their home for at least five years and must be able to confirm they have exhausted all other funding sources available for home repairs.
Debbie Robinson, Chair of the Renfrew County Housing Corporation Board of Directors was pleased to say, “We are very pleased with the impact that this program makes in the prevention of homelessness in our communities.”
County of Renfrew Warden Peter Emon shared his view on the need for a funding program such as this.
“This funding provides assistance to ensure that homeowners in our community do not have to live in discomfort or less than ideal circumstances while they struggle to accumulate the funds necessary to complete the repairs,”’ he said.
A single mom from Pembroke had a near miss with being homeless, but thanks to assistance from the Emergency Minor Home Repair Program she was able to remain in her home. She was concerned about the safety of herself and the children, given the age and issues she had noticed with the homes electrical system.
“After an inspection of my home’s electrical system I was given 30 days to fix the issues or I was going to have to move out,” she recalled. “I didn’t know where the children and I were going to go. I am very, very grateful to the Renfrew County Housing Corporation for their help and in acting so quickly to make this happen so I could stay in my home.”
As a result of the EMHRAP funding, the household electrical system will be upgraded and replaced by a contractor to meet current safety standards.
The program funding is limited and is based on first come first serve. There is a formal application process that is administered through Renfrew County Housing Corporation.
The application must provide supporting information and documentation as required, and incomplete applications will not be considered for program funding.
For more information on this new program, or to request an application form, please contact the Renfrew County Housing Corporation at 613-432-3679 or visit www.countyofrenfrew.on.ca
