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luz martinez01.jpg
Luz Martinez works in the kitchen of her
North Plum Street home on Thursday,
April 16, 2015, that was updated through a
program the city is seeking to expand.
(Richard Hertzler/Staff)
Martinez is the kind of person the rehab program and two related ones addressing lead and emergency repairs aims to help.
Martinez said she was grateful for the assistance.
Because people like me, in my situation, if this program werent around, we wouldnt be able to get our homes up to code or
renovated, she said.
But others in need are missing out on the opportunity.
The city is trying to make more people aware of the program, and to get them to take advantage of it, said Randy Patterson, the citys
director of economic development and neighborhood revitalization.
Over the past six years, 68 homeowners took part in the rehab program, receiving some $1.43 million in U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development grant money.
Patterson said more could have applied for, and received, help.
Martinez was able to get needed electrical work done, new kitchen cabinets and counters, a new furnace and new water heater.
And she wont have to repay the $16,960 loan if, as planned, she stays in her home for 10 years.
It works this way: A lien is put on the home for the amount of work. But 10 percent is forgiven each year the person stays in their home.
If a homeowner moves, he or she must repay the balance.
I live paycheck by paycheck so its very tight, Martinez said, holding back tears on a recent morning.
And with her husbands health issues, We dont know how long hes going to make it, so if hes gone, then I dont have his (disability)
income, either, and then I really dont have any (money) to repair, she said.
On average, according to Marisol Torres, the citys housing and economic development administrator, a home rehabbed through the
program increases in value by about 33 percent.
That doesnt always happen, but Patterson said a program goal is also to help preserve the citys housing stock.
After Martinez was accepted into the program, a city housing inspector visited. He began noticing other issues that should be addressed
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