Maybe you need roofing work. Or you need to replace a mobile home. Or your home doesn't meet codes.
Clay County wants you to know that money may be available to help.
For the first time, the county is offering financial assistance to residents for home repairs, mobile home replacement or Code Enforcement needs though the Community Development Block Grant Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Clay's population growth made it eligible to participate in the program for the first time.
The grants can be used for housing rehabilitation projects such as roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning; accessibility modifications; health and sanitary problems; safety code violations; or interior and exterior damage or deterioration to the structure.
Failing septic systems and old wells can be replaced by paying for connection fees, abandoning private wells, and closing septic tanks, as well as related plumbing costs.
Funds also may be used for emergency repairs to bring a home into code compliance or to cover demolition and replacement of mobile homes that are not economically feasible to rehabilitate. This strategy will be available only to people who are over 65, disabled or with special needs.
The county expects to distribute $1 million in the first year of the program and will assess projects based on need.
Clay County residents must complete and submit the CDBG Funding Application to determine eligibility. Applications will be accepted through March 31. Go to http://www.claycountygov.com/community/community-services/cdbg to apply.
Priority will be given to individuals earning 50% or less of the area median income, which stands at $75,000 for a four-person household. The 50% guideline would amount to $26,250 for a one-person household to $49,500 for a household of eight.
Questions can be directed to the Clay County Community Services Department at (904) 529-4256 or email claycares@claycountygov.com.
