Eligible homeowners of owner-occupied one- to two-family homes across Erie County are taking advantage of Erie County’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program (“the Program”) to help with essential repairs to their property. Funded through Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) and Home Investment Partnership Program monies, the program aims to eliminate substandard living conditions and prolong the useful life of area housing stock occupied by low- and moderate-income households. Assistance is provided in the form of repayable loans of up to $15,000 that are issued at a 0% fixed interest rate.

Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz joined Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), Erie County legislator John Bargnesi (4^th District), and City of Tonawanda Mayor John White at two residences in the City that received assistance to discuss the program. From 2017 – 2021 the program has invested $7,020,890 in 391 projects across Erie County.

“The Housing Rehabilitation Program provides an excellent opportunity for homeowners to make needed repairs to their property, improving safety and livability inside and out. With very favorable rates and repayment terms, this Program has been embraced by homeowners countywide and communities have seen the results,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. ““Just in the City of Tonawanda in the past year alone there have been eleven single family homes rehabilitated using funding through this program for a total expenditure and investment of $290,413 in federal grant funds. This is another way that CDBG funding is energizing communities countywide, restoring homes and community centers.”

Congressman Higgins said, “Federal Community Development Block Grant Funding provides communities with the discretion and flexibility to make investments where needed.  This program, led by Erie County, provides residents with valuable, up-front resources to make investments and improvements to their homes. Strong and stable housing is an essential component of thriving neighborhoods.”

Repairs typically included under the program are roofing, energy conservation, siding repair and/or replacement, and upgrading of mechanical systems such as plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. Essential handicapped accessibility work is also eligible for assistance.

Houses constructed prior to 1978 must also undergo assessment for the presence of lead-based paint hazards. Any lead remediation work is performed by lead-certified contractors and each home is lead safe after project completion, as per HUD regulations.

The program features deferred loans at a 0% interest rate to make these repairs even easier for homeowners.  The entire amount of assistance paid to contractors per project is held as a lien on the property at a 0% interest rate and deferred until the property is sold or transfer of title occurs. Each homeowner pays nothing for all of the work completed (thus the deferred loan) but pays the amount back at 0% interest at a later date, typically when the property is sold. At that time Erie County receives those funds back as "program income" and adds the funds to the overall housing rehabilitation allocation the county receives from HUD each year.

This allows the county to do more rehabilitation cases and assist more low-income homeowners. If the program offered grants and not deferred loans this constant source of funds revolving back into the program each year would not occur.

“This program will improve neighborhoods and increase property values, which benefits our entire community,” said Erie County Legislator John Bargnesi. “I want to thank Congressman Higgins for his continued support for this funding and County Executive Poloncarz for managing these federal dollars at the local level. These loans will continue to pay dividends for future generations. This is an example of government working for the people it represents.” 

City of Tonawanda Mayor John White added, “I think it is great that regular people in the City of Tonawanda can take advantage of this housing rehab program. It will help with property value, outside esthetics and increase the appearance of the neighborhoods.”

In addition to the owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program, the Erie County Department of Environment & Planning also oversees programs offering rental rehabilitation assistance to absentee owners with low-income tenants and mobile home repair assistance.

Eligible properties must be owner-occupied, one- or two-family houses. The house hold must have adequate hazard insurance and, where applicable, flood insurance. All eligible applicants must have household incomes below 80% of the Area Median Income and have property taxes paid and current.

The gross annual household income, which is based on household size, must not exceed the following income figures below. Income limits are adjusted annually by HUD.

           Number of Persons in Owner Household                                          Maximum Income

Projects in the following communities may be considered for assistance:

Villages of Alden, Gowanda, Akron, Lancaster, Angola, North Collins, Depew, Orchard Park, East Aurora, Springville, and Farnham; Towns of Alden, Grand Island, Aurora, Holland, Boston, Lancaster, Brant, Marilla, Clarence, Newstead, Colden, North Collins, Collins, Orchard Park, Concord, Sardinia, Eden, Wales, Elma, West Seneca, and Evans; Cities of Lackawanna and Tonawanda.

These communities are all members of the Erie County Consortium which consists of 34 municipalities, generally located outside of the City of Buffalo and the first-ring suburbs. The City of Buffalo, along with the Towns of Amherst, Cheektowaga, Hamburg, and Tonawanda are NOT Consortium members and receive their own grant funding directly from the federal government to fund projects in their respective municipalities.

For more information:

On the owner-occupied rehabilitation program, click here

On the rental rehabilitation program, click here 

On the mobile home repair program, click here  

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