Worker shortage stalls repairs

Residents must live in the house for a year before they can obtain a loan.
By AMANDA GARRETT
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The city cannot find enough qualified contractors to meet the demands for making home repairs financed by a federal government program, said Michael Keys, Community Development director.
Contractors need to be certified in lead paint removal to do work on many homes whose refurbishment can be financed under the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Housing Rehabilitation Program, Keys said at a Monday meeting of city council's community development committee.
Many contractors aren't certified, however, and it is difficult to persuade them to miss work to obtain certification, said Melanie McBride of the community development department.
Councilman Gary Fonce, D-at-Large, community development committee chairman, said this would be a perfect opportunity for minority contractors and small business people to become involved in the program. Fonce said he plans to invite contractors to the next community development meeting so they can discuss the best ways to obtain certification.
The Housing Rehabilitation Program is part of a Community Development Block Grant that HUD provides to Warren. The rehabilitation program is designed to assist low and moderate income households in upgrading their properties, improving their living conditions and revitalizing city neighborhoods.
Eligibility
The program provides deferred loans to low- and moderate-income households provided that they live in the homes for at least 10 years. Homeowners must also live in a residence for a year before that place is eligible for a loan, Keys said.
"The intent is to get people to stay in the city and not turn around and sell the property or turn around and rent the property," he said.
In order to be eligible, applicants must be the owner and occupant of a single-family residence. Applicants must also meet the income requirements established by HUD for the Youngstown-Warren area.
Applications for these groups will be given first priority:
*People 62 years old or older.
*People who are physically disabled.
*Single-parent households with children younger than 7.
*Households with incomes of $18,250 or lower.
For more information, call the Community Development office at (330) 841-2595.
agarett@vindy.com