LAWRENCE CO. – Residents in Lawrence County will soon see improvements to their homes thanks to a $500,000 Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation (OOR) grant aimed at helping low-to-moderate-income homeowners make critical repairs.
The funding is part of a larger $2.68 million package distributed to 11 communities across Indiana by Micah Beckwith and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. Lawrence County is one of five communities to receive the maximum grant amount of $500,000.
The program focuses on helping homeowners remain safely in their homes by providing financial assistance for necessary structural repairs. Because the funding targets owner-occupied homes, the goal is to support long-term residents who may not otherwise be able to afford essential improvements.
Repairs funded through the program focus on health and safety needs rather than cosmetic upgrades. Eligible projects include roof repair or replacement, installation of new heating and cooling systems, replacement of failing water heaters, and electrical upgrades to improve safety and efficiency.
The grant can also cover accessibility improvements such as wheelchair ramps or bathroom grab bars to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards, as well as radon mitigation systems designed to remove harmful gases and improve indoor air quality.
Lawrence County said the grant will fund repairs for 21 homes across the county.
The county is working with Jenny Dearwester, of the Southern Indiana Development Commission to administer the grant program and oversee the construction process. Officials say the partnership helps ensure that all repairs meet state building codes while relieving homeowners from the burden of managing contractors or project details themselves.
Interest in the program has been strong. Dearwester report this morning that 14 homeowners have already completed their applications, six others are currently in the application process, and one additional homeowner is scheduled to begin the application process later this week.
Local leaders say the grant will help improve housing conditions while allowing residents to remain safely in their homes for years to come.
