BEDFORD — Local officials announced today that Lawrence County has been awarded a $500,000 Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (OOR) grant, a major investment aimed at helping low-to-moderate-income residents maintain safe and accessible housing.
The funding is part of a larger $2.68 million package distributed by Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) to 11 communities across the state. Lawrence County is one of five recipients to receive the maximum award of $500,000.
The program is designed to provide direct financial assistance to homeowners who might otherwise struggle to afford critical structural repairs. By targeting “owner-occupied” residences, the grant ensures that long-term residents can remain in their homes safely and comfortably.
“Strong homes turn into strong communities, and they aren’t built overnight,” said Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith. “They’re built through investing in people, infrastructure, and long-term planning that actually improves daily life for Hoosiers.”
What the Funding Covers
The Lawrence County Commissioners intend to use these funds to assist approximately 21 local families. The grant specifically targets essential health and safety repairs rather than cosmetic upgrades. Eligible projects include:
- Roofing: Repair or full replacement.
- HVAC Systems: Replacement of heating and cooling units.
- Water Heaters: Replacement of failing units.
- ADA Accessibility: Modifications such as ramps or bathroom grab bars to improve mobility.
- Electrical/Lighting: Upgrades to ensure fire safety and modern efficiency.
- Radon Mitigation: Removal of harmful gases to ensure indoor air quality.
To qualify for the upcoming program, homeowners must meet specific income requirements based on their household size. Initial projections for Lawrence County include the following maximum income limits:
| Family Size | Maximum Household Income |
| 1 Person | $50,400 |
| 2 People | $57,600 |
| 3 People | $64,800 |
| 4 People | $72,000 |
“I look forward to seeing these communities implement their rehabilitation programs, which will provide a far-reaching improvement to the residents’ quality of life,” added OCRA Executive Director Fred Glynn.
Lawrence County will work with a certified grant administrator, Southern Indiana Development Commission, to manage the application process and oversee the contracted work. This ensures that homeowners do not have to manage the construction process themselves and that all repairs meet state building codes.
The Lawrence County Commissioners are expected to hold a public hearing in the coming weeks to finalize the program’s launch and provide details on how residents can apply.
