Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Home Rehab topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
HEART program update: Columbus has rehabilitated 25 homes to date, $1.8M ARP balance remains
Summary
City staff reported on HEART (Homeowner Accessibility Rehabilitation) — an ARP‑funded homeowner assistance program launched July 2024. Auditors said about 779 applicants applied; 25 homes completed and 4 in progress. The program’s funding includes $3M in ARP dollars plus a $600K general fund amendment; approximately $1.8M remains under current
Columbus Community Reinvestment presented an update on the HEART (Homeowner Accessibility Rehabilitation) program at the Oct. 28 council meeting, reporting progress and remaining funds.
Rob Scott, director of Community Reinvestment, said the program launched in July 2024 with the goal of funding necessary repairs and accessibility improvements for low‑income homeowners (household income at or below 80% of area median income by household size). Scott said the program received roughly 779 initial applicants; to date the city has completed rehabilitation work on 25 homes, has 4 in progress and two more entering construction the week after the presentation.
Funding and scope: the program was created using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds totaling $3,000,000, with a later $600,000 amendment from the general fund that raised the program pot to $3,600,000. Scott reported a remaining ARP balance of about $1,800,000; the $600,000 additional general‑fund amendment will not be tapped until ARP spending requirements are met (the ARP expenditure deadline is Dec. 31, 2026). The program’s per‑household maximum is $30,000.
Examples and outcomes: Scott shared before‑and‑after photos showing crawlspace access remediation, subfloor repairs and an accessible bathroom renovation that removed trip hazards and lowered barriers to entry. He said most completed projects have prioritized elderly homeowners and those who would otherwise struggle to remain in place.
Contractor selection and quality controls: Scott said Community Reinvestment issued an RFP, worked with the inspections and codes division to vet contractors and initially on‑boarded a short vendor list; the department has since expanded the contractor pool to increase capacity and reduce a bottleneck effect. He said building inspections and contractor warranties remain part of the closing process and that homeowners retain the civil remedies tied to contracts with their selected contractor.
Next steps: Scott said the department will issue additional RFPs to expand contractor capacity, continue outreach to eligible households and coordinate with related city departments to complete remaining projects.
Why this matters: the HEART program uses federal COVID‑era ARPA funding to make targeted investments that improve housing safety and accessibility for low‑income residents, reduce the need for institutional care and help seniors age in place.
