Flint, Michigan – Using money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the City of Flint has launched a much-anticipated project aimed at enabling households to get roof repairs. Offering basic repairs or complete roof replacements, the program is meant to help up to 72 Flint residents spread among the nine wards. The city expects that by tackling structural integrity and increasing energy efficiency, this project will help to lower utility bills and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Under Mayor Sheldon Neeley’s direction, the city wants to give residents who might be having financial difficulties for required house repairs top priority. This program not only addresses roof repairs, but also supports Flint neighbors and strengthens local communities. Flint is investing in the future of the city by funding the security and stability of Flint houses. By making sure their roofs can resist the elements and so encourage energy conservation, the new program is designed to provide long-term benefits to homeowners.
The initiative especially targets owner-occupied homes; the selection procedure uses a lottery approach to guarantee equal distribution of help throughout the wards of the city. In total, eight homeowners from each ward will be selected, allowing for a more balanced reach of the program’s benefits throughout the community. Those who have lived in their house for at least one year and satisfy income criteria—set at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)—will have first priority.
Homeowners must show their eligibility via documentation of residence, income level, and proof that they are current on their water bills and property taxes in order to qualify for help. Many Flint citizens who have struggled financially will find this program to be an excellent opportunity to have necessary repairs free from the weight of out-of-pocket payments. The application process also highlights transparency since the chosen individuals from every ward are picked using a random lottery.
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For those chosen, the degree of help will depend on the state of their roof. Should the roof be deemed beyond repair, homeowners will get a full roof replacement including work on soffit, fascia, gutters, and vents. This all-encompassing strategy guarantees that roofs satisfy contemporary efficiency criteria in addition to addressing existing issues. Those who need less significant fixes will find leaks, shingle damage, and other structural problems fixed, therefore extending the lifetime of their roofs and improving the general safety of their houses.
The project is set to start in January 2025; all work is expected to be finished by October 31, 2025, or until the allocated money is entirely spent. To guarantee quality service delivery, Flint’s Community Development team has committed itself to collaborating with seasoned local builders and housing organizations. In keeping with municipal, state, and federal legislation, the city is also following strict environmental and historical preservation policies and meeting prevailing wages and labor standards.
For Flint citizens ready to become involved, the application procedure is simple. Candidates must provide documentation demonstrating ownership of the property as well as income confirmation showing their eligibility. City authorities have underlined their availability to assist residents during the application procedure. Program Manager Mikesha Loring, Community Planner Dequan Allen, and Housing Specialist Sharita Hardy are available as points of contact for questions and assistance.
Mayor Neeley is encouraging qualified individuals to seize this opportunity. Local officials hope the initiative would not only help specific households but also improve entire areas.
Flint is dedicated to meeting housing needs and promoting a higher quality of life for its residents through roof repairs and replacements, which form only one component of the city’s continuous efforts to revive and invest in its communities. Offering a lighthouse of support for people most in need, the ARPA-funded roof repair program represents a major advance in reaching this goal.
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For more information on the roof repair program or to receive help with applications, residents can reach out to:
- Mikesha Loring, Program Manager | 810-237-2004
- Dequan Allen, Community Planner | 810-265-4739
- Sharita Hardy, Housing Specialist (Clio Rd. Service Center) | 810-513-8653
The City of Flint’s commitment to providing safe and secure homes for its residents shines through in this new initiative, which is anticipated to make a lasting impact on the lives of homeowners across the city.
SIGN UP DATES & LOCATIONS:
- 11/4/2024 Monday 12 pm-2 pm – Flint City Hall 1101 Saginaw St. Flint
- 11/6/2024 Wednesday 2 pm – 4 pm – Flint Public Library (Harris Room)
- 11/8/2024 Friday 10 am—2 pm – Clio Rd Customer Service Center 4813 Clio Rd. Flint
- 11/12/2024 Tuesday 5 pm-7 pm Brennan Community Center 1301 Pingree Ave. Flint
- 11/14/2024 Thursday10 am-12 pm – Mott Park Clubhouse 2401 Nolen Dr. Flint
- 11/16/2024 Saturday 12 pm-3 pm – Flint Farmer’s Market 300 E First St. Flint (Application Distribution Only)
- 11/18/2024 Monday 10 am- 12 pm – Hamilton Health Network 5710 Clio Rd. Flint
- 11/20/2024 Wednesday 3 pm- 5 pm Hamilton Health Network 2900 Saginaw St. Flint
- 11/22/2024 Friday 2 pm- 4 pm The Good Church 1034 Holbrook Ave. Flint