Seniors Invited to 2nd Annual Citywide Grant Drawing for Emergency Home Repair Funds

DETROIT - The City of Detroit Planning and Development Department (PDD) Senior Emergency Home Repair Program�s 2nd Annual Citywide Grant Drawing and Selection Process will be held on Saturday, September 27, from 9 a.m. � 4 p.m. in the Riverview Ballroom at Cobo Conference and Exhibition Center.

The Citywide Grant Drawing is a new, barrier-free program designed to give every senior an equal opportunity to apply and to be awarded up to $12,000 of home repair grant funds to address emergency repairs to their property.

�Last year the drawing was a huge success,� said Anthony Smith, program manager for PDD�s Housing Services Division. �PDD welcomed and provided valuable resource information and services to approximately 5,000 seniors and their family members.� Smith said. �The new Citywide drawing and selection format makes applying for the grants easier and the large facility accommodates the huge number of applicants the program attracts.� Smith said. He also pointed out that the new format makes the overall experience a more valuable one by connecting seniors to a variety of other senior services providers, including: The Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion, Detroit Medical Center, AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), Henry Ford Hospital and others. Seniors can enjoy light refreshments while taking advantage of a variety of valuable resources in a comfortable setting while they await the drawing. A reduced parking rate of $3 on the Cobo roof parking deck and $5 in the Cobo garage is available all day to seniors and their representatives. �We want to make this experience one they enjoy!� Smith said.

Distribution of ticket entry forms will begin at 9 a.m. and all entries must be submitted to program officials by 3:30 p.m. to participate in the grant drawing scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Applicants need not be present to win. Entries may be completed and submitted by a representative of the senior seeking grant assistance.

The Senior Emergency Home Repair Program awards up to $3 million in individual grants of up to $12,000 per household to low-income seniors (65 years of age and older) and physically disabled persons (55 years of age and older). Applicants must meet age, income and other eligibility guidelines, including owning and occupying the property for which they seek grant funding assistance. Repairs must be of an emergency health or safety-related nature, such as a roof, furnace, plumbing, electrical, porches, handicapped ramps or safety and building code violations.

For more information about the Senior Emergency Home Repair Program or the scheduled Citywide Grant Drawing, call 313-224-3461 or 313-628-2565. Program eligibility criteria and frequently asked questions are available on the City�s Website (go to Planning and Development Department) at www.detroitmi.gov.