Burlington County plans to use federal funding to boost and expand its emergency home repairs and heater and air-conditioning replacement programs so more low-income homeowners can be eligible for assistance.
County commissioners authorized the expansion of both programs and will fund them with $250,000 from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
The county’s Emergency Home Repairs Program provides grants to income-eligible homeowners for repairs in conditions that may pose an immediate threat to their safety, including inoperative heating, water or electrical systems and defective roofs.
The Heater and Air Conditioner Replacement Program provides grants to qualified low-income homeowners so they can purchase and install new heating or cooling systems to replace those older than 25 years and unfixable.
Both programs are administered by the county Department of Human Services and the Division of Community Development and Housing. Among the changes approved by the commissioners, the maximum grant for emergency home repairs increases to $10,000, up from a $3,500 maximum. The maximum grant for heater or cooling system replacement increases from $6,500 to up to $10,000.
Also, homeowners from Beverly, Burlington City, Medford Lakes, Mount Holly, Palmyra, Pemberton Borough, Pemberton Township, Riverside, Springfield and Wrightstown are now eligible for aid. Homeowners from these towns were previously excluded because of U.S. Housing and Urban Development rules.
The income limits are set by HUD rules and remain unchanged. Residents seeking more information about the home repair and heating and AC replacement programs and how to apply, can find details online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/257/Community-Development-Housing or by contacting the Division of Community Development and Housing at (609) 265-5072.
