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7500 Grant for Housing Repair
Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Grants are funded directly by the Government. A grant is available to a homeowner who is 62 years of age or older. Funds may only be used for repairs or improvements to remove health and safety hazards, or to complete repairs to make the dwelling accessible for household members with disabilities. The amount of the grant is based on the applicant’s ability to repay and may be used in conjunction with the Repair and Rehabilitation Loan. The lifetime maximum grant amount is $7,500. Contact Mike, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Housing Service, 1110 Amos Rd. Suite A, Shelbyville, IN 46176; 317-392-1394 Ext. 4. For more information on Rural Housing Programs, contact Single Family Housing, Rural Housing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250; 202-720-1474
Visit: www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/
Free Money For Your Down Payment
If you are within a certain income and need help paying your heating bills, or need money to make your house more energy efficient, or need funds for urgent repairs, call your local Community Action Agency. There are about 1,000 of them around the country to help neighborhoods. They will also come out and check if your home or apartment needs to be more energy efficient. To find an agency near you, contact National Association of Community Action Agencies, 1100 17th St., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036; 202-265-7546; Fax: 202-265-8850. Also, your local utility can provide you with or refer you to other programs in your area to analyze your energy usage, recommend energy saving measures, provide fuel and utility assistance to retain or restore service, establish payment discounts based on income and usage, or establish affordable payment plans if you are in arrears. Contact your local utility company to take advantage of these services.
84 For Your Phone Bill
Link Up and Lifeline are two government programs that offer up to $84 a year in discounts on your monthly bill. Ask your phone company about them or contact your state utility commissioner. For more information on how to save money on your phone bill, contact your telephone company, your state regulatory agency, and/or the Federal Communications Commission (445 12th St., SW, Washington, DC 20554; 888-CALL-FCC
Help for Disabled Veterans to Start New Businesses
Help to Start or Expand a Micro-Enterprise
FREE Upgrades to Business Lighting & A/C Systems
Up to $6,000 for Energy Efficient Equipment
Achievement Award + Cash Award for Charity
The Heinz Family Foundation R.O.S.E. Achievement Award recognizes a woman survivor of violence for her work and achievements in the area of ending violence against women. The recipient’s choice of nonprofit organization receives the cash award. Contact: The R.O.S.E. Fund, Inc., (formerly Ryka Rose Foundation), 175 Federal St., Ste. 455, Boston, MA 02110; (617) 482-5400; Fax: (617) 482-3443
Visit: rosefund@ici.net.