Committee backs $100,000 ARPA grant to expand Saint Clair Superior home-repair program

The Cuyahoga County Community Development Committee voted Nov. 18 to forward to full council a resolution to award a sum not to exceed $100,000 from the District 7 ARPA Community Grant Fund to the Saint Clair Superior Development Corporation to expand a 50/50 matching home-repair program.

The award would let the neighborhood nonprofit help homeowners in the Saint Clair–Superior area who otherwise cannot afford the required 50% match for repairs such as roofs, porches and bathroom floor repairs. The committee recommended the resolution be placed on the full-council agenda for additional readings.

Terry Hamilton Brown, executive director of the Saint Clair Superior Development Corporation, told the committee the program had received 33 initial applications and that “about 18 applicants were unable to participate because they did not have funds to contribute.” She said the existing program is privately funded and provides grants between about $5,000 and $10,000, with $10,000 the current maximum.

Brown said the ARPA funds would allow the organization to assist those homeowners who lack matching funds for urgent repairs including roof work, porch repairs and deteriorated bathroom floorboards that pose safety risks for seniors. She described coordination with a Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging program known as “Nails It,” which provides accessibility work such as barrier-free shower installations, and said the Saint Clair Superior grant dollars could help pay for related plumbing or preparatory work. "We can pair this award of ARPA with the Veil It, funds for the enclosure and help someone have a bathroom that is, you know, really safer for them," Brown said.

Brown also said the organization plans to produce a fact sheet listing available resources, including the Heritage Home program that provides contractor management and three-estimate procurement assistance for homeowners. Natalie Canter, identified as the organization’s AmeriCorps VISTA working on housing, joined Brown at the presentation.

Committee members asked about applicant selection; Brown said homeowners are selected by application on a first-come, first-served basis and that the group documents application dates. Committee members commended the program and its focus on seniors and emergency repairs.

A committee member moved to send the resolution to the full council; the motion was seconded and carried without opposition. Brown was told staff would inform her of the council schedule and that the legislation would likely proceed in the new year after three readings.

The resolution would not be effective until approved by county council and after any required readings or administrative steps.