Housing Rehabilitation Program Information

About the Housing Rehabilitation Program
In past years, the Town of Athol has offered 0% interest deferred payment housing rehabilitation loans for critical home repairs.  However, owners of properties may submit applications in order to reserve a place on the current waiting list. If, at some time funds become available, priority will be given to waiting list projects that address the health and safety of the occupants. Emergency situations may include leaks into dwelling area of a home or failed heating system.

An application can be obtained online here, by calling 978-721-8500 x518,  or emailing Alyssa Moore.  Any in-person visits at Athol Town Hall will need to be scheduled by appointment.  Assistance is currently available 8:30am-2:30pm Monday - Thursday. All personal information is confidential within the limits of public records law.

Other Resources
For assistance with heating system repair/replacement or weatherization (insulation, etc.) contact MOC (Montachusett Opportunity Council) at 978 342-7025 x 4.

For assistance with septic system repairs, contact the Athol Board of Health at 978-721-8500 (x506 Deb Vondal or Jane O'Brien x507) or send email.

The USDA’s Section 504 Home Repair Program provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. For grants, applicants must be 62 or older and not be able to repay a repair loan. Contact Michael Rendulic at the Amherst USDA office at 413-253-4300 ext 1 for an application and information, https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/ma .

Loans for accessibility home improvements for disabled and elderly residents are offered through CEDAC (Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation). Contact Susan Gillam,1-800-500-5599, Sgillam@cedac.org, www.cedac.org/hmlp.

The Athol Council on Aging can assist seniors in completing applications and in gathering documents that may be required for the resources listed above.  The Council on Aging/Senior Center, located at 82 Freedom Street, can be reached at 978-721-8500 (x511 Cathy Savoy) to schedule an appointment or by email, coa@townofathol.org.

Housing Rehabilitation Program Description
Residents who qualify are eligible for funding assistance with health and building code repairs to their single or multi-family homes. Investor-owned projects will also be considered. Eligible repairs include septic and heating systems, lead paint and asbestos removal, door and window replacements, and other repairs allowed under the CDBG program guidelines. The MA Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds are administered by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for the benefit of Massachusetts residents who meet the income guidelines. Project funds are administered by the Athol Office of Planning and Development.

A detailed description of Housing Rehabilitation Program Requirements and Procedures is found in the Initial Disclosure Form. This form should be read, signed and returned with the completed Housing Rehabilitation Application Form.

Loan Payback
Homeowners may receive a no interest loan that is forgiven over a 15-year schedule.

Program Procedures
Applicants must verify their household incomes through third-party documentation, be current on their taxes and assessments, have homeowner’s insurance, and be in good standing on their mortgage.

After review of the information submitted to the office, an inspection by a Housing Rehabilitation Specialist may be scheduled with the property owner to determine safety and health code violations that could be eligible for repair.  An inspection for the presence of lead paint hazards will also be scheduled.   

Once the property owner and the Rehabilitation Specialist have agreed on a scope of repair services, the project will be bid to licensed, insured general contractors.  The project will be carried out under the supervision of the Housing Rehabilitation Specialist. 

Eligibility Guidelines
Household size includes everyone living in the home or dwelling unit. Income limits include ALL income earned by ALL household members. Refer to the table below for income limits.

Income

1 Person

2 Person

3 Person

4 Person

5 Person

6 Person

7 Person

8 Person

Low/Mod

$54,750

$62,550

$70,350

$78,150

$84,450

$90,700

$96,950

$103,200