PORT JERVIS – The state granted Port Jervis $350,000 for the rehabilitation of 10 single-family owner-occupied homes in the city. The state funds will be leveraged by $165,000 from the Port Jervis Community Development Agency making a total of $515,000 available.
The money will be used for weatherization, roofs, electrical and heating unit upgrades and lead and asbestos issues.
The Port Jervis funds are from a revolving loan program that has built up over 20 years of community lending. The city will partner to do the work with the Regional Economic Community Action Program of Middletown, said RECAP Executive Director Joseph Czajka.
“This is the first time funds were made available from the Affordable Housing Corporation for the City of Port Jervis but it’s not the first time that the City of Port Jervis has gone through a housing rehab-type of program,” Czajka said.
“We have a lot of homes that need improvements and a lot of hardworking residents who could use some help,” said Mayor Kelly Decker. “It is a perfect opportunity to put these monies to work and is a perfect example of a combined community effort.”
RECAP will manage and administer elements of the program. That agency has performed weatherization improvements over many years in Port Jervis and maintains a Head Start program and a housing facility for single adults in the city.
The maximum income eligibility limit will be 112 percent of the Housing and Urban Development income limits for Orange County, meaning a family of four with income of up to $74,458 would be eligible to apply for home improvement assistance.
Three of the 10 homes will be allocated to seniors, veterans or disabled households.
