Handyman help for seniors…Oak Park residents ages 60 and older can get help with simple home maintenance repairs through North West Housing Partnership, a Housing and Urban Development approved housing counseling agency. Fees range from $20 to $40 an hour depending on income and repairs are done by insured, reliable professionals. Examples of eligible work include repairing screens, faucets, sinks, soffits, toilets and windows; installing grab bars, door locks, ceiling fans, light fixtures and shelves; hanging curtains and pictures; and gutter cleaning. The senior handyman program is supported in part by the Village of Oak Park, Village of River Forest and Oak Park and River Forest townships. Call 847.969.0561 or email michellehill@nwhp.net for more information. For more information about housing programs in Oak Park, visit www.oak-park.us/housing, email housing@oak-park.us or call 708.358.5410.
Rehab assistance…Helping homeowners pay for needed repairs they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford is what the Village’s single-family rehab loan program is all about. The rehab program offers loans of up to $25,000 to correct health and safety issues and building code violations, such as broken pipes, a leaking roof, crumbling entry stairs, dangerous electrical systems and accessibility obstacles. No monthly payments are required and loans don’t have to be repaid for 20 years or until the property is transferred. Grants do not have to be repaid. Eligibility is determined by federal income limits. For example, a family of four with a total household income below $74,550 and a family of two with a household income below $59,650 would qualify for a loan and grant. For more information visit www.oak-park.us/housing, email housing@oak-park.us or call 708.358.5410.