Interest-Free HUD Loans to Improve Homes Are Available

Loans from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department are available to qualified residents in unincorporated St. Charles County, St. Peters, Wentzville, Lake Saint Louis, Dardenne Prairie, Cottleville, St. Paul and Weldon Spring.

• Home Loan Improvement Program

The $5,000 interest-free loans are available and automatically forgivable if the homeowner lives in and maintains the home for five years after the loan’s signing date.

These loans are available to income qualifying households for the rehabilitation of owner-occupied, single-family dwellings. The loan’s purpose is to bring existing housing up to code, create opportunities for needed improvements and address accessibility and safety issues.

The household must qualify as low income with priority given to those households with lower incomes.

The application deadline is Dec. 30. A lottery system will be used to select qualifying applicants.

• Emergency Repair Program

The $5,000 interest-free loans are available and automatically forgivable if the homeowner lives in and maintains the home for five years after the loan’s signing date.

These loans are available to income qualifying households for emergency repairs occurring after the program closes. Emergency repairs could include water, sewer and HVAC repairs.

The household must qualify as low income with priority given to those households with lower incomes.

Applications will be accepted beginning Jan. 9, and will be reviewed subject to funding available.