Pontiac Hosted a News Conference to Announce 100 Improved Houses Through Home Repair Program

PONTIAC, MI (October 14, 2025)—The City of Pontiac announced 100 completed home improvement projects in Pontiac as part of the City’s Home Repair Program, launched in the Summer of 2023. The initiative was implemented to complete home repair projects for homeowners who needed different components restored and to enhance existing features. The City hosted a press conference on October 14 to provide comprehensive details about the program and how it has positively affected the community.

“The City is thrilled to continue our efforts to maintain safe housing for residents through our Home Repair Program," said Mayor Tim Greimel. “Making repairs to one hundred homes is an impressive milestone in improving the quality of life in our community, reducing blight, and, most importantly, ensuring that more residents can continue to call Pontiac home.”

The City launched the Home Repair Program in June 2023. This is the first program of its kind in Pontiac, where health, welfare, and safe housing have taken precedence.

The City received $37.7 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and allocated over

$3 million of those funds for the initiative. The Program granted up to $25,000 per household in home repairs to at least 44 homes during the initial process. The range of eligible home repairs is extensive, covering a variety of items, including:

· Plumbing

· HVAC

· Roof repairs

· Waterproofing

· Porch repairs

· Bathrooms repairs

· Wells, water, and sewer lines

· Electrical systems

· Windows and doors

· Kitchens

· Chimneys

• Basement

The program was available for eligible residents earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income adjusted by family size. Many residents in the program are either elderly or live in a single to several-occupant household, all of which have experienced wear and tear on their homes throughout the years.

United States Marine Veteran Maurice Gay is 71 years old. The Pontiac native has lived in his house since 1991. Gay is a widow of 34 years and has mobility issues. His roof was in serious condition, due to water damage and decay, which allowed water to flow into his home during rainstorms. The home’s carport was in disrepair, creating a hazardous environment for him to drive in and out. The house now has brand new shingles properly installed with new ridge vents and adequate repairs to its carport. Additional repairs include:

· Gutter and downspout replacement

· New shower valve and toilet installed

· Soffit repairs, new columns, and posts

• Front and rear security storm door replacement

Gay indicated that this program has been a huge blessing in his life.

“The City of Pontiac has helped me tremendously and done things for me that I couldn’t do for myself,” said Maurice Gay. “Being a senior citizen, I didn’t have the money for these repairs, and the city I was born and raised in really came through for me. I am so grateful to Erin, Mathew, and everyone involved in the Pontiac Home Repair program. God bless all of you.”

The program has made a significant impact on the community. Homeowners are completely ecstatic about the recent improvements to their homes. The results have been conducive to residents financially and have sustained better living conditions for those desperately in need of repairs.

“Reaching the milestone of 100 completed homes in our city is a moment of immense pride for the Pontiac Home Repair Program," said Housing Development Specialist Mathew Turner-Reed. "This initiative is about more than just renovations; it's about rebuilding our community by ensuring every household has a safe and stable place to call home.”