Vicksburg competing for grant funds to assist low-income homeowners

The City of Vicksburg is seeking up to $600,000 in grant funding to help homeowners make needed repairs to their houses, from potentially replacing roofs to more extensive renovations.

City officials discussed the proposed homeowner rehabilitation program during a public hearing Monday. The city is partnering with Voice of Calvary Ministries to apply for funding through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, administered by the Mississippi Home Corporation.

A public notice issued by the city said $6 million is available statewide for competitive homeowner rehabilitation grants aimed at providing affordable housing for low- and very low-income residents.

Sandra Thompson, representing Voice of Calvary Ministries, said the funding could help homeowners with roofing, flooring, accessibility improvements and other repairs needed to make their homes safe and livable.

The city and Voice of Calvary Ministries have worked together on housing assistance efforts, including homebuyer education, financial literacy and applications for other housing grants.

The city has not determined how many homes could receive assistance or how much money would be available for each project.

“Some people may only need a roof,” Thompson said. “Some may need something more extensive, bathrooms and kitchens completely remodeled.”

Mayor Willis Thompson questioned how the city would determine which repairs to fund if it received the full $600,000. Sandra Thompson said the city would establish its own guidelines within the grant's requirements, with decisions based on the condition of individual homes and the amount awarded.

“The more houses we can do, the better,” Sandra Thompson said.

The program would be limited to homeowners who hold the deed to their property and meet income requirements established by the Mississippi Home Corporation. Sandra Thompson said assistance would not be restricted to elderly or disabled residents.

Jeff Richardson, community development director, said homes selected for assistance would undergo an environmental review and an assessment to determine the work needed. The projects would then be put out for competitive bids.

Sandra Thompson said residents would be able to apply for assistance only after the city receives a grant award and establishes the program's application and inspection procedures.

The city's grant application is due Oct. 23. A final decision on whether funding will be awarded is expected in December, although no firm announcement date was provided.

Residents seeking more information can contact Sandra Thompson at Voice of Calvary Ministries at 601-969-3088, ext. 18, or the city's housing department at 601-801-3848.