Tuscaloosa Program To Help Certain Homeowners With Renovations

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The City of Tuscaloosa’s Office of Community and Neighborhood Services is launching a new home improvement initiative aimed at helping low-to-moderate income households maintain safe and affordable housing.

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The "Let’s Paint Let’s Renovate" program — funded by a Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — will provide funding to improve or rehabilitate permanent residential structures within city limits.

"'Let’s Paint Let’s Renovate' is just one of the great programs our Community and Neighborhood services departments offer for the residents in the city of Tuscaloosa," District 1 Councilor Joe Eatmon told Patch. "This program helps with needed renovations in our community. In the past, they have not received a lot of applications. It is my goal to ensure this year that as many residents as possible in my district have access to the funds."

Qualifying homeowners must reside in the Tuscaloosa city limits, own and live in the property as their primary residence, and meet income and insurance requirements.

The city says renter-occupied properties are not eligible.

Properties must also be current on mortgage and tax payments, and the total household income must be below 80% of the Area Median Income.

Homes built before 1978 may require proof of lead paint inspection or abatement.

Eligible improvements include work on major systems such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and accessibility upgrades. Repairs must comply with all federal, state and local codes.

Applications will be accepted July 21–25.

The city says only completed applications will be reviewed and funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications are available at Tuscaloosa City Hall or by contacting the Office of Community and Neighborhood Services via email at cnsservices@tuscaloosa.com.

Applicants may also call Chip Cates or Latonya Braggs at (205) 248-5080.

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