United North has been assisting our neighbors in various ways since 1990 through several popular programs:
DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE AND CREDIT COUNSELING:
Two major obstacles to home ownership are down payments and past credit issues. Credit counseling is available through United North with continued counseling available through Neighborhood Housing Services. The City of Toledo offers down payment assistance to those that qualify and choose a pre-qualified lender. Area lenders also offer a variety of homebuyer loan programs. Property tax abatements are included with each renovated and newly constructed home and can decrease monthly house payments and out-of-pocket expenses.
CURB APPEAL PROJECT:
It’s simple. We supply the landscaping and paint for the exterior of your home or business, and you provide the labor. Since 1995 over 300 homes have received exterior face-lifts thanks to the Lagrange Street Polish Festival and the NorthRiver Golf Classic. United North can also provide live plants such as trees, bushes, perennial flowers and plants for homeowners, tenants or business owners. Senior citizens and disabled homeowners may also receive labor assistance through partnering non-profits and volunteers.
Homeowners, property owners, tenants, and businesses in the United North service areas are eligible. There is a waiting list, and you must participate in one neighborhood clean up effort organized by United North.
EXTERIOR REPAIR LOANS:
In the Lagrange neighborhood, low-interest loans are available for owner-occupied homes. Eligible repairs include roofs, windows, doors, siding, steps and porches. The maximum loan amount is $5,000 at a fixed interest rate of 6% with repayment over five years. Homeowners over the age of 62 may also qualify for a 2% fixed interest rate.
EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR PROGRAMS:
Since 1998 over $650,000 has been expended to assist low-income homeowners in our neighborhood with emergency repairs. This program covers emergency repairs for low-income home owners who are current on their property taxes and in good standing with their lender. Electrical and plumbing upgrades, roof repair/replacement, heating system repair/replacement, and handicap accessibility assistance lead the list of much needed emergency repairs to owner occupied properties. With partners such as the State of Ohio Housing Trust Fund and St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, homeowners who otherwise may have to move now see increased property values.
OWNER-OCCUPIED REPAIR PROGRAM:
United North works with the City of Toledo to assist ONE Village homeowners with housing code upgrades – including electric, plumbing, furnace and roofs – in targeted areas near the new Sherman and Chase Elementary School buildings. Household income must be below 80% of the median area income, and homeowners must have an acceptable credit report and be current on local, state and federal taxes.
EOPA EMERGENCY REPAIR PROGRAM:
Working with the City of Toledo and the Economic Opportunity Planning Association (EOPA), United North can assist homeowners who have a household income below 50% of the median area income with emergency home repairs such as electrical, plumbing, furnace, roofs and handicap-accessible items.
For more information or to check your eligibility for any of these programs,
e-mail at: nsobecki@unitednorth.org or call (419) 255-8406, Ext. 305. |
