BEDFORD — Safe and reliable housing is getting a major boost in Lawrence County. Local officials announced this week that the county has been awarded a $500,000 Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (OOR) grant, a move set to transform the living conditions for dozens of area residents.
The funding is part of a broader $2.68 million initiative spearheaded by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). Lawrence County emerged as a primary beneficiary, being one of only five communities in the state to receive the maximum award amount.
Unlike standard home improvement loans, the OOR program is strictly designed to help low-to-moderate-income homeowners address critical health and safety hazards. The goal is simple: ensure long-term residents can remain in their homes safely and comfortably.
The program prioritizes structural integrity over aesthetics. Eligible projects include:
- Roofing: Full repair or total replacement of leaking or damaged roofs.
- HVAC Systems: Installation of new, energy-efficient heating and cooling units.
- Plumbing & Electrical: Replacing failing water heaters and upgrading outdated wiring.
- Accessibility: Modifications such as wheelchair ramps and ADA-compliant bathroom grab bars.
- Air Quality: Installation of radon mitigation systems to remove harmful gases.
“This program supports homeowners who may not otherwise be able to afford these essential improvements,” officials noted, emphasizing that the funding targets those who have lived in and maintained their homes for years.
Lawrence County will assist 21 households with the current funding. To ensure the technical aspects of the projects are handled professionally, the county is partnering with Jenny Dearwester of the Southern Indiana Development Commission (SIDC).
On Tuesday, Dearwester informed County Commissioners that the team is prepared to move into the inspection and environmental review phase. This partnership is designed to relieve homeowners of the stress of managing contractors or navigating complex building codes.
County Attorney David Smith is currently reviewing bids to initiate the inspection and radon process.
If the timeline remains on track, actual home repairs are scheduled to begin this summer.
