City of St. Charles expands home rehabilitation program

The St. Charles City Council has expanded the Home Rehabilitation and Accessibility Loan Program, allowing all types of owner-occupied units to qualify, including single-family homes, condos, and townhomes. Previously, only single-family homes were eligible.

Funds from the program can be used for mechanical repairs, roofs, windows, insulation, exterior painting, termite damage repair, yard cleanup, building security, and exterior work that will improve neighborhood appearance, as well as accessibility improvements for physically disabled persons such as grab bars, railings, motorized chair lifts, walk-in showers, doorway widening, ramps, and more.

The program provides financial assistance in the form of a 0-percent interest, deferred payment loan to assist income-eligible homeowners to make necessary repairs and improvements to their homes.

The city's program works in conjunction with a similar program offered by Kane County. Up to $20,000 in assistance is available from Kane County. An additional $10,000 is available from the city if more funds are needed.

"We are pleased to be able to offer this program to St. Charles homeowners," said City Planner Ellen Johnson. "Our hope is that any homeowner in need of assistance will take advantage of this opportunity to improve their home and make a lasting impact on their neighborhood."

Community Contacts Inc., an Elgin based nonprofit organization, administers the program on behalf of the city and county. For more information, to find out if you are eligible, and to apply, call Community Contacts at (847) 697-8800 or visit cci-hci.org.

This program is funded by the St. Charles Housing Trust Fund through fees collected from new residential developments to support affordable housing initiatives.