The Village of Peoria Heights is pursuing a state grant to help improve housing for local residents and needs your help to do it by merely filling out a survey.
In conjunction with the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, the Village is seeking a $550,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Housing and Economic Opportunity.
The program targets single-family, owner-occupied homes for the purpose of revitalizing the neighborhoods in which they live.
Eligible households cannot exceed 80 percent of median income. For a household of two, the income limit is $48,850 annually. For a household of four, the income ceiling is $61,050. Six family members living under one roof must have an income under $70,850, and so on as family size increases. The lower the family’s income, the better the chances they’ll be chosen to participate in the program.
The maximum individual grant is $50,000 and can be put toward mechanical, structural and energy efficiency improvements, as well as weatherization, lead abatement and handicap accessibility.
Initially, 10 homes will be chosen for participation in the program.
To apply, please fill out the survey, which can be picked up at Village Hall, 4901 N. Prospect Road. It will ask for your street address, the number of people residing in your home, some basic demographic information, your approximate annual income, the number of rooms in your dwelling, and the improvements needed.
Meanwhile, a public hearing to discuss the program and get feedback will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, at Peoria Heights Village Hall, 4901 N. Prospect Road. Those who fill out the survey will get an invitation to attend. Those who have disabilities or do not speak English who wish to attend the hearing and need assistance should contact Sarah Witbracht ASAP at sarah.witbracht@peoriaheights.org or at 309-686-2385.
“You really have nothing to lose by filling out the survey, and it’s an opportunity for our residents to improve their living accommodations, to make them safer and healthier, and for the Village to improve its housing stock,” said Mayor Michael Phelan. “This is a great program, and we’d like to see our residents participate.”