Archived News Release from 2004

For Immediate Release

City Offers Home Repair Assistance to Low Income Seniors

Redwood City, CA - July 15, 2004 - Redwood City’s low income senior citizens can get financial help with their household repairs through the City’s Emergency and Minor Home Repair Program. This program is designed to provide a grant of up to $500 for minor repairs, and a low-interest loan of up to $5,000 for larger home repair projects. The program also provides for intervention where emergency repairs are needed but which must be completed within 72 hours.

To be eligible, applicants must be a homeowner with income at or below 50% of “Area Median Income,” one person residing at the property must be age 62 or older, the property must be located within the city limits of Redwood City, and the repairs must be driven by Health and Safety conditions.

This program currently has $10,000 in Federal funding available to help low income seniors with needed home repairs, including:

• Plumbing
• Electrical/mechanical (switches, outlets, lights, thermostats, fixtures)
• Stairs, handrails, porches
• Water heater replacement or repair
• Broken windows, doors, or other security improvements
• Weatherization of doors and windows
• Temporary measures to cover roof, windows, or doors while permanent repairs are initiated
• Cleaning gutters
• Installing smoke detectors
• Window screen replacement/repair

To apply for a grant or loan through Redwood City’s Emergency and Minor Home Repair Program, low income seniors should call
650-780-7290 or visit the City’s Housing website at www.redwoodcityhousing.org for information and an application.

Visit Redwood City’s website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, City government, and local business.

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Contact:
Debbi Jones-Thomas
Housing Coordinator
650-780-7925