Elizabethton Awarded Grant to Improve Housing for Elderly and Disabled Residents
Elizabethton, TN – Exciting news is in store for the residents of Carter County, particularly the elderly and disabled, as the city has been awarded a substantial grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA). This grant falls under the HOME Program and is designed to address the pressing issue of substandard housing within the community. The $500,000 grant will be used to renovate or completely rebuild up to six single-family homes that currently do not meet adequate living conditions.
According to THDA Executive Director Ralph M. Perrey, the core mission of the program is to provide “safe, decent housing for all Tennesseans”. He emphasized that these HOME funds will significantly help Carter County ensure that its vulnerable residents can stay in their homes while experiencing a marked improvement in their quality of life.
This financial boost comes at a crucial time, particularly for those who are already feeling the pinch due to the recent economic challenges. Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the grant, stating that the funds will indeed reach those who need them the most. “This grant will be used in the community to really help out our elderly population. With the economy making everything so expensive, there’s more need now than ever, so we’re blessed to receive these funds,” said Mayor Woodby. She added that the county is always eager to bring in financial support to benefit the community, as it can be put to excellent use.
The administration of the grant will be handled by the First Tennessee Development District (FTDD). In the coming weeks, a public meeting will take place to outline the application procedures and specific guidelines for the grant. The meeting will be an excellent opportunity for potential beneficiaries to understand how they can apply and benefit from this initiative.
Once the applications are in, a priority list will be set up based on the level of rehabilitation required and various socioeconomic factors affecting each applicant. For a home to qualify, it must meet certain criteria aimed at ensuring feasibility and lasting impact. Specifically, homes that cannot be brought up to code will be ineligible for the project. For those that are chosen, repairs will be substantial enough to bring the property up to code standards. In cases where the repair costs exceed 75% of the home’s appraised value, the funds will instead be used for reconstruction.
The grant is a welcome relief for very low and low-income individuals who lack the financial resources to make necessary improvements to their homes. With the costly nature of construction and renovation today, many residents would otherwise be unable to afford such extensive renovations or rebuilds. This initiative stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to improving the living standards of its most vulnerable residents.
For those seeking more information on the program, Carter County Government can be reached at (423) 542-1801. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to bring much-needed improvements to the living conditions of the elderly and disabled in our community.
This grant is a significant step in helping Carter County meet its broader goals of creating safe, livable spaces for all its residents. It reflects an essential effort in community planning and development, focusing on the segments of the population that need it the most. The residents of Carter County can look forward to a visible improvement in their living conditions, knowing that both local officials and statewide agencies like THDA are committed to their well-being.
Overall, this HOME Program grant represents not just a financial boost but a strong commitment to the values of community, support, and improvement. As renovations and rebuilds get underway, it serves as a beacon of hope and progress.
