GreenSage E-zine 05/2009

Austin Helps Homeowners Go Green

While many people are cutting back on expenses in this economy, completing much needed renovations on your home may seem impossible to afford.

But with the help of the Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority, 20 lucky homeowners will soon be able to fix-up their house for little or no cost.

Jeanette Johnson is a single-mother and a homeowner. With a once leaky roof, drafty windows, and an energy bill costing her hundreds of dollars a month, she can’t afford a renovation.

"I would have had to get a 30 thousand dollar loan to even start what I needed to do," says Johnson. But thanks to the Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Jeanette received a 20-thousand dollar grant that allowed her to fix-up her home.

"I’m very thankful I’m glad they do this for people," Johnson says. And with new windows, doors, furnace, and water heater, she is reminded every month how much this grant *keeps on helping. "My last electric bill I just got was 48 dollars and 90 cents!" she exclaims.

The Housing and Redevelopment Authority is receiving a 500-thousand dollar grant from the state again this year to help people like Jeanette.

"These are all people that can't afford to do the work themselves," say John Ford. And they're currently accepting applications from people needing help. "It's almost a life changing program in a sense that a lot of these folks are moderate to low income families and can't afford to fix the homes up themselves," he says.

And for some people, having enough money to renovate can mean the difference between a healthy house and an unsafe one.

"You had asbestos in this house? Oh yea, Oh yea, it's gone now,” Johnson says.

If accepted to the program, you can qualify for up to a 22-thousand dollar loan with zero percent interest, and a 12 year deferment. "And if the family stays in the house for 12 years it can actually be forgiven, you can't beat it," Ford says. "It is worth your time to fill out the paperwork," says Johnson.

Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority is still accepting applications from low-income home owners wanting a portion of the funds.