SILVER CREEK — The Village of Silver Creek has been awarded $493,000 by the New York State Office of Community Renewal to assist homeowners in the village with necessary home repairs.

The funds can be used for repairs such as replacing roofs, replacing old windows and doors, repairing foundations, porches, and entryways, repairing or replacing water and sewer lines, electrical repairs or upgrades, and repairing or replacing plumbing and heating systems. Accessibility modifications for people who need safe access to the home and safe use of the facilities can also be covered. In all cases, the property will be made lead-safe as part of the work that is done. These Community Development Block Grant funds, available through the Silver Creek Housing Rehab Program, are a grant and do not have to be repaid.

In order to be eligible, the home must a single-family, owner-occupied home located within the village; it must also be the owner’s primary residence. All taxes must be current and the owner’s mortgage, if applicable, must be current. The owner must have homeowner’s insurance unless it cannot be secured until repairs are completed.

In addition, the household must meet income guidelines as follows: family of one – $37,120; family of two – $42,400; family of three – $47,680; family of four – $52,960. The income guidelines include the total gross income of every member of the household over the age of 18, other than full-time college students. Adjustments are made as household size increases.

The Village of Silver Creek is working with the countywide non-profit housing rehab agency Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation and Improvement Corporation (CHRIC) to get these funds out to those who need them. CHRIC has over 40 years of experience serving the needs of lower-income property owners throughout Chautauqua County. If you would like more information on the Silver Creek Housing Rehab Program, please call CHRIC at 753-4650.