The City of Decatur has launched its owner-occupied Small Home Improvement Program (SHIP) in partnership with the Northeast Community Fund (NECF) to assist homeowners with small home repairs.
As part of their commitment to Neighborhood Revitalization, the Decatur City Council approved SHIP in September 2022, which is being funded by American Rescue Plan (ARP) monies. The City allocated $450,000 to start the program. A second investment of $400,000 was approved by City Council in February 2024. NECF will provide small repair grants – up to $20,000 – to residents of owner-occupied homes in targeted low- to moderate-income neighborhoods.
In 2023, NECF helped 17 homeowners complete small home repair projects. NECF is no longer taking applications as they have a pool of 800+ applications.
SHIP is an attempt to invest in areas where City staff is starting to see the first signs of housing decline. This is a preventative measure. If we do not assist in these areas now, our housing challenge could continue to spread and more neighborhoods could begin to decline. SHIP aligns with the City’s Owner-Occupied Home Rehab program launched in 2023.
Some of the eligibility requirements for homes and applicants include, but are not limited to:
- Home must be located within the designated low- to moderate-income neighborhood (see map)
- Be a single family, owner-occupied residential property. Properties for sale are not eligible
- Title to the unit must be in the name of the person applying for assistance
- Applicant must have owned and occupied the property for one year prior to the application date
- The title must be free of delinquent liens, taxes, and encumbrances
- Applicant shall not have any outstanding fees, water bills, charges, etc. owed to the City of Decatur
Some of the eligible repairs include, but are not limited to:
- Roofs, porches, and exterior stairs/steps
- Foundation and structural improvements
- Accessibility improvements for occupants with disabilities
- Repair or replacement of mechanical systems
- Lead remediation
- Exterior painting, trim, and/or fascia
- Tuck point and/or masonry
- Driveways and retaining walls
See full list of eligibility requirements and eligible & ineligible repairs here
If your application is selected, you will receive a letter in the mail inviting you to schedule an appointment with NECF to complete the full application and move forward in the process.
If you have not heard from NECF about your application, then your name has not yet been selected. NECF has a pool of 800+ applications. Please remain patient with us and know we will help as many individuals as we can.
