Georgetown, Del., June 23, 2009: The tight economy has many American homeowners scaling back major additions or forgoing expensive remodeling jobs. For low-income residents, though, just a small fix-it job around the house poses a financial chore.

Sussex County may be able to help.

County Council, at its Tuesday, June 23, 2009, meeting, authorized the Community Development & Housing Office to apply for funding under the federal Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) Program. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, grants go to sponsoring organizations for the repair or rehabilitation of low- and very low-income housing.

Sussex County, in conjunction with Kent County, has applied for funds under the HPG program during the past 17 years, and has received funding every year. This year, the two counties will request $50,000, to be split equally between both jurisdictions.

The money will assist low-income families with small housing projects such as handicapped accessibility, plumbing projects, and electrical repairs, said Brad Whaley, assistant director of Community Development & Housing. Sussex County expects as many as a half dozen households to benefit from the grants, if approved by USDA.

County officials hope to receive funding this fall, at which time applications will be accepted. If you are interested in the HPG program, please call (302) 855-7777.

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