The Jefferson County Department of Development administers the Jefferson County Housing Rehabilitation Program (JCHRP).  The Program was established to assist low and moderate-income homeowners make needed repairs to their dwellings and has been in existence for approximately 25 years. 

The Program addresses code deficiencies as well as health and safety concerns.  Each home must be brought up to minimum code standards. The Statewide Building Code, BOCA National Property Maintenance Code, National Electrical Code, and Local Code shall be adhered to. The most common types of repairs are electrical system upgrading and repairs, plumbing and heating repairs or replacement, repairing broken windows and doors, structural defects, roof repair or replacement, gutters and downspouts, porches, steps and handrails. If funds permit items such as siding and replacement windows may be included.  Not permitted are cosmetic items, or room additions.

Who is eligible?

Homeowners who occupy their residences within Jefferson County and meet income requirements.

This program is not limited to senior citizens or those with disabilities; any homeowner who is income eligible may apply.

The MAXIMUM income limit permitted for participation in the rehabilitation program is 80% of the median income for Jefferson County according to household size identified in the income table as Low Income.

How do I apply for the Program?

The Jefferson County Department of Development maintains a Waiting List of qualified applicants for the Program. As funding becomes available, homeowners are selected from the list in the same sequence as they applied.  Homeowners do not incur any obligations or liability by having their name placed on the Waiting List.  Anyone wishing to apply for the Jefferson County Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation Program or would like to receive additional information about the program should contact the Jefferson County Department of Development at (814) 849-3047.

The Department of Development will contact the homeowner on the Waiting List when funds are available to rehabilitate their home.  At this time the homeowner will need to provide additional information and documentation regarding their income and the ownership of the home.  Once eligibility is determined, an inspection will be made of the home to determine the extent of the work necessary to bring the home up to the minimum housing standards.  The homeowner will then select the local contractors they wish to bidon their project from the list of approved contractors that is maintained by the Department of Development.

After the work is completed, the home is inspected again to ensure that the work was performed according to the required specifications.

How much can be borrowed?

The minimum amount that can be provided through this program is $1,000 per home and the maximum amount that can be provided through this program is $25,000 per home.

If a home requires only $5,000 worth of work to bring it up to minimum code standards then only that amount will be provided. Likewise, if the project requires over $25,000 to bring it up to minimum code standards the homeowner would need to contribute the amount above the $25,000 in order to participate in the program.

Terms and Conditions:

Homeowners are required to continue to own and occupy their home for a period of five years after the work is completed, promptly pay all property taxes when due, maintain fire and casualty insurance on the property in an amount equal to or greater than the loan amount, and maintain the home in good repair.

For households whose total annual household income is less than or equal to 80% of the median income an interest free deferred forgivable loan (no payments) is available.  This loan is forgiven over a 5-year period (1/60^th per month).