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INHS asks to continue minor‑repair funding; highlights radon testing and outreach to seniors
Summary
INHS described its long‑running minor‑repair program, said it has completed thousands of repairs over its history, and requested continued funding for minor repairs including a pilot to expand radon testing and remediation assistance for homeowners.
Delia Yarrow, director of homeownership at Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS), presented the nonprofit’s minor‑repair program and requested continued IURA funding to support repairs for vulnerable homeowners.
Program description and track record: INHS said its minor‑repair program operates across a seven‑county service area and that the organization has completed thousands of repair jobs over its 40‑year history; INHS said work targets low‑income homeowners, seniors, single‑parent households and people with disabilities. The minor‑repair team conducts assessments, identifies larger needs and refers eligible households to major‑repair programs when appropriate.
Radon testing pilot: INHS asked for funding to expand radon testing tied to the minor‑repair program. Delia said internal data indicate a significant share of radon tests come back above recommended levels (she estimated a high positive rate among tested units) and that the request would cover test kit distribution, staff time to manage testing and counseling homeowners about remediation. INHS said some state funding could be used for remediation and that the nonprofit maintains internal emergency funds for urgent situations.
Outreach and delivery: INHS said it does targeted mailings to seniors and outreach in manufactured‑housing communities (e.g., Nate’s Floral Estates) and works to maintain a contractor pool and necessary specialty certifications (for example, to perform electrical repairs in manufactured homes). The minor‑repair program employs in‑house specialists for many repairs and contracts for specialized work when required.
Funding vulnerability: INHS acknowledged federal funding comprises a portion of its broader repair portfolio (for example, an Office for the Aging contract) and that cuts to federal streams would affect capacity. The organization said it has expanded private and state funding to diversify revenue but would need to prioritize work if large fund sources were cut.
Next steps: INHS will continue outreach and refine the radon testing/remediation pilot details. The IURA will consider the minor‑repair funding request as part of the entitlement budget process.
