LAWRENCE CO. — Lawrence County homeowners facing urgent structural or safety issues have a narrow window to secure significant financial help. The Lawrence County Commissioners announced Tuesday morning that only two slots remain open for the state-funded Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (OOR) Grant program.
The initiative, funded by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), is designed to help low-to-moderate-income residents preserve their homes and “age in place” by funding essential repairs at no cost to the homeowner. The county’s ultimate goal is to support at least 21 families through this funding cycle.
Unlike typical “home improvement” loans, this grant is strictly reserved for critical repairs that impact the habitability and safety of the residence.
Eligible repairs include:
- Roofing: Full repair or total replacement of failing roof systems.
- HVAC: Replacement of outdated or non-functional heating and cooling systems.
- Accessibility: ADA upgrades, such as ramps and threshold modifications.
- Utilities: Replacement of water heaters and significant electrical or lighting upgrades.
- Environmental Safety: Professional radon mitigation and removal.
To ensure the funds reach those most in need, OCRA has established maximum household income limits. To qualify, your total annual household income must be at or below the following thresholds based on family size:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
| 1 Person | $50,400 |
| 2 People | $57,600 |
| 3 People | $64,800 |
| 4 People | $72,000 |
The program is being overseen by Jenny Dearwester, Housing Program Manager for the Southern Indiana Development Commission (SIDC), or Commissioner Rodney Fish. To apply, contact Dearwester or Fish.
Because only two spots remain, officials are urging interested homeowners to act immediately.
