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The City of Asbury Park’s Community Development Department has launched a new initiative to help residents cited with code violations make needed repairs.

The Home Repair Program, funded by the Community Development Block Grant, helps Asbury Park homeowners receive up to $5,000 in grant funding to fix their properties in order to come into compliance with cited code violations, city officials said. Applicants must meet income eligibility guidelines and other requirements. The funds, which do not need to be repaid, can be used for exterior home repairs such as steps, sidewalks and porches.

“This program was created in direct response to the needs of homeowners who could not afford to make the repairs required to come into compliance with citations from the City’s Code Enforcement Department,” Community Development Director Cassandra Dickerson said. “Through the Home Repair Program we’re able to ease the burden on these families and ensure their properties are safe.”

In addition to the Home Repair Program, the City’s Community Development Department also manages the Regional Contribution Agreement [RCA] Home Rehabilitation Program.

RCA monies help low- to moderate-income families rehabilitate homes with at least one major building system in need of replacement or repair, such as roofing, heating, electrical, sanitary plumbing, load bearing or structural work and weatherization, city officials said. Funding also can be provided for other home repairs once applicants meet certain qualifications.

RCA grants in Asbury Park have averaged $20,000, city officials said. This year, the City has assisted 18 applicants with RCA funding, rehabilitating a total of 26 units occupied by low- to moderate-income families, with another 10 units currently being rehabbed.

In addition to the major system rehabs, renovations to these properties have been made to bathrooms and kitchens, including replacement of tubs, toilets, vanities, cabinets, countertops, ranges, and flooring.

“We’re proud that the RCA program has been able to assist many senior residents of Asbury Park, most of whom are on a fixed income and were unable to keep up with the repairs to their homes,” RCA Program Coordinator Carrie Jeannot said. “Participating in the Rehab Program has helped increase the quality of life for these homeowners.”

For more information about the Home Repair and RCA Rehab Programs, visit click here. For more about the City of Asbury Park, visit cityofasburypark.com.

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