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Metro Community Development to open $1M home-repair applications for Flint homeowners
Summary
Metro Community Development announced a new home-repair application period opening tomorrow, seeking to distribute roughly $1 million to repair 65–70 Flint homes; applications are first-come, first-served and must be returned by April 15.
Brian Glowack, CEO of Metro Community Development, told the Flint City Council on March 10 that Metro will open applications tomorrow for a home-repair grant program that aims to award roughly $1 million to Flint homeowners.
Glowack said Metro expects to improve about 65 to 70 homes with funds available this year and that last year the program awarded about $860,000 and improved 52 homes. "We're opening the applications tomorrow," he said, adding that applicants must return completed packets by April 15 because the program is first-come, first-served and Metro must submit a May 15 packet to the Federal Home Loan Bank.
Why it matters: the program targets low- and moderate-income homeowners and pays for major repairs that owners often cannot afford, such as roofs, furnaces, water heaters and mold remediation. Glowack said eligible repairs also include accessibility work such as grab bars and widened doorways.
How to apply and eligibility: applications will be available at Metro’s office, 1174 Robert T. Longway, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; applicants must provide proof of household income and a copy of the deed, show they are current on mortgage payments and property taxes, and supply copies of all documents (Metro will not accept originals). Glowack described the income limits roughly by household size (about $47,000 for a single-person household, roughly $51,000 for two-person households) and said Metro will require two contractor estimates per project.
Funding and scale: Glowack said Metro previously drew funds as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis and expects to seek approximately $1 million this year. He noted the funds are limited — "it sounds like a lot of money. It is a lot of money, but it's only roughly 65 to 70 homes," he said — and urged applicants to provide complete materials promptly.
Q&A and logistics: Council members asked whether the application would be available online; Glowack said he would post it on Metro’s website and could email a digital version to council members. He also said Metro would accept applications at Metro’s office hours and handle requests by phone at (810) 767-4622. Metro staff will coordinate contractor estimates and manage filing requirements for the Federal Home Loan Bank.
Background: Metro said it has drawn these funds for about eight years and that the program covers roofs, windows, siding, exterior doors, furnaces, water heaters, gutters and certain accessibility modifications. Glowack said last year the program was able to deliver about $860,000 in grants in Flint and that it plans to expand to roughly $1 million this year.
Next steps: Applications open tomorrow. Metro will accept completed applications through April 15 and will prioritize complete submissions because it is a competitive, first-come, first-served process.
