Officials seek grant for home repairs
With some help from the state, local residents with low incomes may be able to fix up their homes without breaking the bank.
On Thursday, Mattapoisett Town Administrator Mike Gagne suggested that the three towns – Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester – apply for the Regional Housing Rehab Grant.
The grant, which is issued by the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development, can provide assistance to residents with low incomes to modify their homes.
Modifications can include installing a wheelchair ramp as well as replacing old roofs, windows, siding, and doors.
The loans are deferred and most never have to be paid back, Gagne said.
“The program refers to it as a ‘forgiveness loan.’ This means if you stay in your home for five years, you don’t have to pay it back,” Gagne said.
Before coming to Mattapoisett, Gagne was the Town Administrator in Dartmouth. During his time in Dartmouth, Gagne said the town was awarded this grant four times.
To get the ball rolling, Gagne suggested that the three towns apply for the grant together.
“We’re all too small to run this ourselves, but the benefits are great,” Gagne said.
Marion Selectmen Chair Stephen Cushing agreed.
“I think this is definitely something we should pursue,” Cushing said.
To proceed, the three individual Boards of Selectmen would have to vote to approve the proposal.