Get grants for housing upgrades

SANDUSKY — For a decade running now, a program incentivizing home ownership and improvement seems stronger than ever. During a recent public meeting, Sandusky officials designated local tax dollars specifically toward the local government's housing development and beautification program. Applications for the 2025 grant opened this past week. While money lasts, city residents can claim a share of $400,000 intended for very specific purposes, like substantial redevelopment, exterior repairs and home purchase assistance. The $400,000 basically mirrors what officials dedicated to this annual program in past years. Regarding the $400,000, Debi Eversole, the city's housing development specialist overseeing this initiative, provided a breakdown: • $300,000 — funds to support home improvement and/or development grants • $100,000 — funds to help those buying homes "The city of Sandusky is pleased to offer these programs to city residents to help them achieve code compliance, improve the exterior aesthetics of their property, attain the goals of home ownership or substantially redevelop an existing structure," Eversole said. "All of these efforts improve the city on the whole," she added. "We've heard from residents during planning processes over the years, most recently in the city's South Side neighborhood, that programs like these are greatly needed and appreciated and we encourage all to apply." Helping out the homes Eversole then touted the program's successes since its launch: In 2024, the city provided financial assistance to 117 homes through this grant program. And, since Sandusky's housing program began in 2016, officials have committed almost $4 million, through public funds, to enhance about 1,200 homes. Note: Anyone who receives a grant and completes work outlined in a specific application doesn't have to repay the city. In essence, it's "free" money made available through Sandusky's budget, supported by area residents, ratepayers and others. When factoring in public grant dollars administered paired with private investments made by recipients, more than $52 million "has been invested in housing properties that took part in this program," according to a city statement. This year's amount should bolster at least an additional 120 homes. Eversole then underscored the program's overall significance, heavily stressed in Sandusky's bicentennial, or master, plan. "The housing development and beautification program is an important tool toward stabilization and restoration of Sandusky's many neighborhoods," she said. "It supports home rehabilitation, correction of code violations, home purchase and new home development. Each year, we see more and more property owners taking pride in their homes." With this program, the city "continues to work closely with our code compliance officers to make sure that homeowners with current violations are aware of this program," Eversole said. "Utilizing the grant funds not only improves the look of the home, and in some cases brings the home into compliance, but it also attracts future residents to the area," she said. "The city has so much opportunity for new residential development. If you see grass where a blighted structure once stood, it is our hope that a family will live in a new home there one day." Grant uses There are three ways people can apply for money through Sandusky's housing development and beautification program: 1. Substantial redevelopment, which includes new development and eligible rehabilitation projects 2. Exterior repairs, which include any improvements made to a home visible from the main public right-of-way; Funds are reimbursed to the property owner after completion of the project. This program offers grants of up to 50% of the total project cost up to $3,000. 3. Home purchase assistance, which includes anyone purchasing a home in the city for owner-occupancy; Title agencies receive funds during the closing process. "The program was designed, in part, to enhance the neighborhood's appeal for current and prospective residents," Eversole said. "With the two improvement facets of the program, we are seeing new development projects, remediation of code compliance violations and vacant dwellings being revitalized with this program. This, in turn, may attract visitors to want to purchase property and live in our city." How to apply? Those interested in the program's details and who want to apply can visit cityofsandusky.com/housing to access the application. The program works off a first-come, first-served basis. People are encouraged to get their applications ready ahead of time. So who can apply: Eligible property owners who occupy the home as their primary full-time residence within Sandusky can. Also those in contract to purchase a home and plan on living there within the city can apply. People can submit requests by: • Emailing deversole@cityofsandusky.com after visiting the website and completing all necessary forms • Picking up an application at the lobby of City Hall, 240 Columbus Ave. People can submit those applications in person or mail them to: — Housing Development and Beautification Program — ATTN: Community Development — 240 Columbus Ave. — Sandusky, OH 44870 Eversole also welcomes calls for questions at 419-627-5832. Note: All applications must have supporting documentation to be reviewed. This would include: • An improvement grant application — provide a contractor's estimates and a completed W-9 tax form from the applicant. • Home purchase applications — provide a purchase agreement or loan estimate or owner's occupancy affidavit and completed W-9 tax form from the applicant.