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 with $250,000 in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act enacted during COVID.
The county’s emergency home repairs program provides grants to income-eligible homeowners for repairs that maximize health and safety, including fixes to inoperative heating, water or electrical systems and defective roofs. The heater and air conditioner replacement program also helps low-income homeowners by enabling them to purchase and install new heating or cooling systems to replace systems 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 up to $10,000 from a $3,500 maximum. The maximum for heater or cooling system replacement goes from $6,500 to up to $10,000.
Homeowners in Beverly, Burlington City, Medford Lakes, Mount Holly, Palmyra, Pemberton borough and township, Riverside, Springfield and Wrightstown are now eligible for aid. They were initially 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 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.
