City of Tampa introduces program to help homeowners fix up to $100K in critical repairs

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As the city of Tampa tries to find ways to navigate the affordable housing crisis impacting the country, a new program will provide homeowners with help for necessary repairs.

The “Healthy Homes Program” is tailored to help keep families in their homes.

Through the program, eligible families will be awarded up to $100,000 to help make critical repairs, with the city’s goal being at least 90 homes in the city.

“We had to stay in the car overnight because the rain had gotten through worse than what it was, and they hopped on it,” Tampa resident Monie Davis said.

Davis is just one of the residents who’ve been helped through the Healthy Homes Program.

“Repairs — the new roof you can see, electrical rewiring, replacing damaged attic insulation, which will lower those electric bills, replacing drywall, baseboards, paint,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said.

The City of Tampa is using federal grants to help fund the program to help keep people in the homes they’re raising their children in.

“As we navigate our country’s affordable housing crisis, our priority, again, is not only on creating new, affordable homes but also preventing our local residents from being pushed out of their homes,” Castor said.

To be eligible, homeowners must meet certain requirements:

• Your house must be owner-occupied
• Must be owned for at least two years
• Your home must be located within the city limits of Tampa
• Your household income cannot exceed 80% of the Area Median Income

“What that means for our community is that a single person cannot exceed $53,000 annually for their salary or whatever combined income they have,” Kayon Henderson, Director of Housing and Community Development, said.

Through partnerships with contracts to provide the needed services, the city said they want to identify homes with health hazards to help make a difference.

“This program is a godsend, it’s godsent, I don’t have to worry about my home now. I can continue to do work and live life and enjoy life with my daughter and dog,” Davis said.

If you meet the requirements, you can apply for the Healthy Homes Program now.

For more information, you can call these numbers:

• Main Number for Housing Department: 813-274-7954
• Housing Hotline, for people needing assistance: 813-307-5555
• Or you can go directly to the website to apply, for the link, click here .

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