February 27, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
DeKalb County is seeking a $500,000 HOME program grant from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) to help local families with home repairs.
During Monday night’s regular monthly meeting, the county commission voted to start the grant application upon the request of County Mayor Tim Stribling. It will be administered by the Upper Cumberland Development District.
HOME program funding is intended to help families of low income, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities who cannot afford to rehabilitate their homes. If approved, at least 10 or more homeowners could get help with issues such as leaking plumbing, unsafe flooring, faulty wiring, damaged roofs and more. The $500,000 HOME program grant is the largest amount that can be issued to a single organization.
“They would set apart $50,000 each for ten homes and if the entire $500,000 in grant money is not used then the rest could be spent on other homes,” said County Mayor Stribling.
DeKalb County made application for the grant three years ago but was denied. Stribling said UCDD feels good about the county’s chances this time.
The HOME program is funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered in Tennessee by THDA. HOME grants must be used for the production, preservation or rehabilitation of affordable housing for low and very low income families and individuals.