Chambana Sun

The City of Champaign is now accepting pre-applications for its new Vital Home Repair Program, offering eligible homeowners the opportunity to receive up to $60,000 of improvements to their homes at no cost. The program aims to address health and safety issues, code violations, and make necessary repairs such as roofing, electrical systems, plumbing, foundations, decks, and porches.

Neighborhood Programs Manager Jennifer Carlson highlighted the program's advantages, stating, "Two great benefits of the Vital Home Repair Program are the higher assistance and income requirements." Unlike other programs with lower limits, this initiative allows the City to assist homeowners who may not qualify under existing housing rehab programs.

Funded by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the Vital Home Repair Program received a $1 million grant from the Housing and Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program, established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This grant sets the City of Champaign apart as one of only 16 municipalities in the state to receive funding from this competitive grant.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must demonstrate a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic since January 21, 2020, and have an income at or below 150% of the Area Median Income based on household size. Pre-applications can be submitted online at champaignil.gov/VHRP or in person at the Neighborhood Services Department.

After the pre-application period ends on March 29, qualifying residents will be entered into a lottery to determine who will move forward with a full application. Alternates may also be selected in case of remaining project funds.

For more information or to apply, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the City's website or contact the Neighborhood Services Department at 217-403-7070.