On April 27, 2021, Northumberland County and Habitat for Humanity Northumberland are launching the 2021 Northumberland Renovates program. Northumberland Renovates, a component of the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative, is funded by the provincial and federal governments.
First launched in 2017, the program has provided 58 forgivable loans totaling approximately $710,000 to eligible local low-income homeowners in order to complete urgent repairs and accessibility upgrades to date. This year $150,000 will be available for eligible low-income local homeowners. The program is once again being administered by Habitat for Humanity Northumberland.
“The Northumberland Renovates program has provided critical funding to complete repairs that help homeowners and families age in their homes. We are thrilled to continue working with Northumberland County to deliver this fantastic program,” indicated Habitat for Humanity Northumberland Executive Director Meaghan Macdonald.
“Habitat’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. We believe in and act to achieve this vision, by demonstrating how community supports community. We not only work with homeowners to facilitate the application process, we also link them with organizations or resources that may be beneficial to them as well.”
Northumberland Renovates enables eligible homeowners to access interest-free, forgivable loans up to a maximum of $15,000 to complete urgent home repairs, as well as grants up to a maximum of $5,000 to reduce physical barriers in order to make a residence more accessible.
“By helping eligible homeowners to maintain their residency, and lowering the rate of housing in need of repair, the Northumberland Renovates program is an important component of community strategies to foster a Northumberland where all residents have safe, appropriate and affordable housing choices,” states County Director of Community & Social Services Lisa Horne.
“The County is pleased to enter into another year of this important partnership with Habitat for Humanity Northumberland, as community partners continue to work together to strengthen the system of services and supports in place for people at all points along the housing continuum.”
Low-income homeowners interested in applying for funding will be able to submit an expression of interest starting April 15, 2021. The expression of interest is available at https://www.habitatnorthumberland.ca/copy-of-renovate-northumberland. For more information about applying, please contact Lana Missen at homerepairs@habitatnorthumberland.ca or 905-207-7534.
Please note that during this time Habitat for Humanity Northumberland’s administration offices are closed to the public, but staff are working remotely and will respond to emails and phone calls as timely as possible.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
